Chapter 32, Problem 8A

How does a negative ion differ from a positive ion?

To determine

To explain: The difference between negative ion and positive ion.

Answer to Problem 8A

Negative ion has excess electron, positive ion has deficiency of electrons

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Atom contains proton and electrons. Total number of protons in an atom is equal to the total number of electrons. So the atom as a whole is neutral. Proton s are positively charged while electrons are negatively charged.

When electrons are added to an atom, it becomes negative ion and from which atoms the electrons are added, that becomes positive ion. Positive ions are called cations, negative ions are called anions.