Anion: meaning, definitions and examples
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anion
[ ˈæn.aɪ.ən ]
chemistry term
An anion is a negatively charged ion that is attracted to the anode in electrolysis. Anions are typically formed by the gain of one or more electrons, resulting in a surplus of negative charge. They play a crucial role in various chemical reactions and are found in all ionic compounds.
Synonyms
acidic ion, negatively charged ion.
Examples of usage
- The chloride ion (Cl-) is a common anion in salt solutions.
- Sulfate (SO4^2-) and nitrate (NO3-) are examples of polyatomic anions.
- During the reaction, the anions migrated towards the positive electrode.
Translations
Translations of the word "anion" in other languages:
🇵🇹 ânion
🇮🇳 अन्यन
🇩🇪 Anion
🇮🇩 anion
🇺🇦 аніон
🇵🇱 anion
🇯🇵 アニオン
🇫🇷 anion
🇪🇸 anion
🇹🇷 anyon
🇰🇷 음이온
🇸🇦 أنيون
🇨🇿 anion
🇸🇰 anion
🇨🇳 阴离子
🇸🇮 anion
🇮🇸 aníon
🇰🇿 анион
🇬🇪 ანიონი
🇦🇿 anion
🇲🇽 anion
Etymology
The term 'anion' derives from the combination of the prefix 'an-' which is a form of 'ana-' meaning 'up,' and 'ion,' a term originating from the Greek word 'ion', meaning 'going' or 'to go'. The concept of anions emerged in the 19th century as scientists like Michael Faraday conducted experiments in electrochemistry, leading to a better understanding of how ions behave in chemical reactions. As Faraday's work laid the groundwork for electrolysis, the terminology evolved to distinguish between negatively charged ions (anions) and positively charged ions (cations). The development of the modern atomic theory further clarified the behavior and role of anions in chemical compounds, enriching the language of chemistry.