What are Ions?
An ion is an atom or molecule where the total number of electrons(which are negative) is not equal to the total number of protons(which are positive),making it either positive or negative electrical charge on the whole.
Thus,if the number of electrons is greater than the number of protons,it would result in the atom/molecule having a negative charge.This kind of ion is called 'anion'(Onions are great,but this 'anion' isn't for eating),which means up in Greek.
On the other hand,if the number of protons is greater than the number of electrons,it would result in the atom/molecule having a positive charge.This kind of ion is called 'cation',which means down in Greek.
An ion consisting of a single atom is called a monatomic ion.
If it consists of two or more atoms(molecules), it is called a polyatomic ion.
Polyatomic ions containing oxygen, such as carbonate and sulfate, are called oxyanions.(I can't help but think that the guy behind all these love onions)
Ions are essential to life,playing an important role in the cells of living organisms, particularly in cell membranes. They have many practical, everyday applications in items such as smoke detectors, and are also finding use in unconventional technologies such as ion engines.
Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion#Ionic_bonding
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