When atoms gain or lose electrons, the charged particles that result are called

When atoms gain or lose electrons, the charged particles that result are called ions. Specifically, if an atom loses one or more electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion, known as a cation. Conversely, if an atom gains one or more electrons, it becomes a negatively charged ion, known as an anion. This process of gaining or losing electrons occurs during chemical reactions and is fundamental to the formation of ionic bonds between atoms, which leads to the creation of compounds. Ions play a crucial role in various physical and chemical processes, including electricity conduction in solutions and the formation of salts.