What charge does an ion have?

An ion can have either a positive or a negative charge due to the loss or gain of electrons. When an atom loses one or more electrons, it acquires a positive charge, resulting in a cation. Conversely, when an atom gains one or more electrons, it becomes negatively charged, forming an anion. This dual capability for charge formation is fundamental to the behavior of ions in chemical reactions and their interactions in various compounds. The ability to exist as either positively or negatively charged species allows ions to participate in a wide range of chemical processes, including forming ionic bonds, where cations and anions attract each other due to their opposite charges. This characteristic of ions is crucial for understanding not only simple compounds but also complex biochemical interactions in biological systems.