What is the name given to negatively charged atoms that gain electrons in chemical bonds?

An anion is defined as a negatively charged atom that has gained one or more electrons. The process of gaining electrons results in a net negative charge because electrons carry a negative charge. This is a fundamental concept in chemistry, as ion formation is crucial in various chemical reactions and processes, including the formation of ionic compounds and the behavior of electrolytes in solution.

In contrast, a cation is a positively charged ion that has lost electrons, while protons and electrons are the subatomic particles themselves, not atoms. Protons carry a positive charge, and electrons are negatively charged particles found in atoms but are not classified as ions on their own. Understanding the distinction between these terms is essential for grasping the basics of ion formation and the nature of chemical bonding in anatomy and physiology contexts.