Metal Ion

A metal ion is a metal atom that has lost or gained electrons, giving it a positive or negative charge. Typically, when metals form ions, they lose electrons, resulting in a positively charged ion called a cation. These ions are essential in various chemical processes, such as forming compounds, conducting electricity in solutions, and playing critical roles in biological functions like oxygen transport. Metal ions are key to the structure and behavior of many materials and chemicals, influencing properties such as conductivity, reactivity, and strength.