What is the Difference Between a Cation and an Anion?

Except for noble gases, the atoms of most elements are unstable under normal conditions. For them to become stable, they either gain or lose one or more valence electrons and become ions. The gain or loss gives the ions either a positive or negative charge. The ions with a net positive charge are called cations whereas those with net negative charge are anions. These opposing charges, also called electrostatic attraction, often result in ionic bonds between the atoms or molecules. A superscript "–" is the sign used after the chemical formula to indicate negative charges while the superscript "+" is the symbol used on the chemical formula to show a positive charge. Examples of these indications are Ammonium (NH4+), Silver (Ag+), Sulphate (SO42-), and Hydroxide (OH-). An example of an ionic bond between Potassium (K+) and Chlorine (Cl-) is Potassium Chloride (KCl).

What Determines the Loss or Gain of Electrons?

Based on the position of elements on the Periodic Table, alkali and alkaline metals in most cases form cations. On the other hand, the halogens and many other non-metals form anions. The alkali metals lose one electron, alkaline metals lose two electrons, and the aluminum and other group three elements lose three electrons. On the contrary, halogens gain one electron; the group 6A elements gain two electrons whereas the group 5A elements gain three electrons. Either one or several atoms and molecules may form an anion. If the anion is formed by one atom, it is called a monoatomic anion. However, when it is formed by two or more atoms or molecules, then it is a polyatomic anion. The loss of one, two, or three electrons lead to the formation of monovalent, divalent, and trivalent cations respectively.

Differences Between a Cation and an Anion

The first difference is that anions possess negative electrical charges while the cations have positive electrical charges. Secondly, during electrolysis, anions move to the positive electrode which is referred to as the anode. However, the cations migrate to the negative electrode called cathode. Another difference between the two ions is that anions have more electrons than protons while the cations have more protons than electrons. Then there’s the difference that comes due to the etymology of the words. Anion comes from the Greek word “ano” which means “up.” On the contrary, the cation derives its meaning from a Greek word “kata” which means “down.” Finally, anions are non-metals while the cations are metals.

Application of the Concept of Anions and Cations

Ions conduct electricity through liquids or solutions. Hence the anions and cations are responsible for the phenomenon of the flow of electric current in a dry cell. The current will always flow towards the direction of the positive charge. On the other hand, it moves to the opposite direction of the flow of the negative charge carriers. In a dry cell, electricity flows out of the cathode and flows into the anode. The cathode is negatively charged, attracting positive charges. On the other hand, the anode is positively charged drawing only the negative charge.