ions

Ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost electrons, giving them a charge. If they lose electrons, they become positively charged ions called cations; if they gain electrons, they become negatively charged ions called anions. This charge imbalance influences how ions interact with each other, forming compounds like salt (sodium chloride). Ions are essential in many processes, including nerve signals, muscle contractions, and maintaining fluid balance in your body. Their ability to carry electrical energy makes them crucial in chemistry, biology, and physics.