Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

WHAT IS AN ION?????????????

Very simply, an ion is an atom or molecule with more or less electrons than usual, giving it a positive or negative electric charge. Because an ion "wants" to become neutral by acquiring or losing additional electrons, it has interesting chemical features. Ions usually come in the form of solutions.

The most common phenomenon that goes on around us every day that happens only because ions exist is the process of making "soft" water.

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Ed Neu
Buffalo, MN

Ed's correct, they're usually found in solution. Here is a list of common polyatomic ions (polyatomic indicating it is made of more than one type of atom)

http://chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/bl040903a.htm