Chemistry / Unit 2 Chem 0229 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Anion
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The idea
An anion is a negatively charged ion, formed when an atom or molecule gains one or more electrons.
In practice
A bromine atom that gains one electron becomes the Br− anion, carrying one more electron than it has protons.
Where people slip
"Anion" and "cation" are easy to swap under time pressure — anion's gained electrons pull toward the negative sign.
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