Let this be said. Chemistry is not my forte.
Im working on naming ions and i have a quick question:
1. Is there any way, besides memorizing the list, to know if a given ion is a cation or an anion?
2007-06-02 05:10:25 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
very simple, just look at the sign of the charge. if it is positive sign ,it means cation. Negative sign=>anion.
Eg. Na+, Al3+ ----> cation
Cl- , F- ---> anion
2007-06-02 05:18:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the element is a metal, the ion will be a cation i.e. it goes towards cathode. Non-metals like oxygen, halogens etc. will give anions which go to the anode. Sodium, potassium, copper, iron, tin, zirconium,...all such metals will have cations.
2007-06-02 12:20:47 · answer #2 · answered by Swamy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes.. if the particular ion ends in "ate" "ide" "ite"...then it is anionEg SO4 -2 is sulfate
if it is going to be cation then there wont be any change in its nomenclatureEg Na + is sodium ion....
here the exception is NH4 + which is ammonium
2007-06-02 12:24:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋