Cation and anion positioning

Cations and anions are types of charged particles that make up compounds like salts. Cations are positively charged ions, meaning they lose electrons, while anions are negatively charged, meaning they gain electrons. Their positions in a crystal structure are determined by these charges: cations tend to occupy spaces where they can be surrounded by negatively charged anions, and vice versa. This organized arrangement stabilizes the overall structure, much like puzzle pieces fitting together based on their shapes and charges to create a balanced, solid material.