The word "ion" is spelled with three letters, but its pronunciation can be a little tricky. The IPA phonetic transcription for "ion" is /ˈaɪ.ɑn/. This means the first syllable is pronounced like "eye", and the second syllable is pronounced like the "ah" sound in "father". The letter "i" in "ion" makes the "ai" diphthong sound, which is a combination of "ah" and "ee". The "o" in "ion" is silent, and the emphasis is on the first syllable. Knowing the IPA transcription can help with proper spelling and pronunciation.
An ion is a term used in chemistry to describe an electrically charged particle. It is a species of atom or molecule that carries a positive or negative electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons. An atom can form an ion by either gaining or losing electrons from its outermost energy shell. When an atom loses electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion, called a cation. Conversely, when an atom gains electrons, it becomes a negatively charged ion, known as an anion.
Ions play a significant role in numerous chemical reactions and are commonly found in various substances like salts, acids, and bases. They exhibit distinctive chemical properties due to their charge, which affects how they interact with other ions and molecules. The attraction between oppositely charged ions results in ionic bonding, where the cations and anions form stable crystal lattices in solid compounds.
Ions are often characterized by their charge and elemental symbol, such as Na+ for a sodium cation or Cl- for a chloride anion. They can also be identified by their numerical charge, which indicates the number of electrons lost or gained. The charge of an ion determines its behavior in chemical reactions and its ability to participate in electrical conductivity when dissolved in a solution.
Overall, ions are fundamental units in chemistry that allow for the understanding and analysis of various chemical processes, including electrolysis, redox reactions, and the formation of compounds.
A group of atoms or parts of molecules carrying a charge of electricity and constituting one of the elements of an electrolyte. The ions charged with negative electricity which are evolved at the positive pole (anode) are called anions; those charged with positive electricity, at the negative pole (cathode), cations.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Any one of the elements which are evolved out of a particular substance by the voltaic current, and which appear at the poles of the battery.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word "ion" originates from the Greek word "ιών" (ion), which means "going" or "moving". The term was initially introduced by Michael Faraday in 1834 to describe electrically charged particles that move during electrolysis. The Greek roots of "ion" convey the concept of movement or motion, reflecting the nature of these charged particles.