An ion is an atom that gains an electrical charge by losing or gaining electrons.
Before entering fully into the meaning of the term ion , we are going to proceed to know its etymological origin. In this case we can indicate that it derives from the English “ion” which, in turn, emanates from the Greek word “ion”, which can be translated as “that goes”.
In the field of chemistry and physics, the concept of ion is used to name an atom or a group of atoms that obtains an electric charge by gaining or losing one or more electrons .
Ion concept
To understand what an ion is, it is advisable to first focus on the definition of other terms. It is important to know, first of all, that an atom is a particle that cannot be divided by chemical methods, which has a nucleus that is surrounded by electrons (elementary particles that have a negative electrical charge).
An atom, in this way, has a nucleus with electrons around it. When, by adding or releasing an electron, the atom acquires an electrical charge, it is called an ion. Ions, therefore, are electrically charged particles .
Ionization is the process that an atom or molecule develops when it transforms into an ion. This change occurs when, starting from a neutral state, the atom gains or loses electrons.
The transformation of an atom or molecule into an ion is known as ionization.
Classification according to type
It is possible to differentiate between two types of ions: cations and anions . A cation is an ion that has a positive electrical charge (because it has lost electrons), while an anion is an ion that has a negative electrical charge (because it gained electrons).
Ions are also classified according to the number of atoms they have. When the ion has a single atom, it is a monatomic ion . On the other hand, if the ion has at least two atoms, it is called a polyatomic ion .
The name Ion
In the same way, we cannot ignore that Ion is also a male name. Specifically, you should know that it is attributed to men who are identified by their strong personality, who are very pleasant to deal with and who stand out for their capacity for effort and energy. Likewise, we have to establish that it is a very common name in several autonomous communities of Spain, such as the Basque Country or Navarra.
Among the well-known figures who call themselves this way are the television presenter Ion Aramendi, the writer and artistic director Ion Arretxe (1964 – 2017) and even Ion of Chios (490 BC – 422 BC). The latter was an author from Ancient Greece who, although he cultivated different genres, achieved great recognition for his tragedies.
Some of his most relevant works are “Suda”, “The Guardians and Agamemnon”, “The Great Lady” or “Alcmena”.
Likewise, we must not overlook that Ion is also the name of a character in Greek mythology who is considered the ancestor of the Ionians. Precisely the illustrious Euripides created a work around him that is titled precisely with his name.