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Multiple Choice
Which term is used to describe negatively charged ions?
A
Radicals
B
Anions
C
Isotopes
D
Cations
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge.
Recall that when an atom or molecule gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged, and when it loses electrons, it becomes positively charged.
Identify the term for negatively charged ions: these are called \textbf{anions}.
Recognize that positively charged ions are called \textbf{cations}, which is the opposite of anions.
Note that radicals are species with unpaired electrons, and isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, so neither term describes negatively charged ions.