An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net positive or negative electrical charge. This charge enables ions to participate in a wide range of chemical reactions and electrical processes, making them fundamental to the fields of chemistry and physics.

An atom is the smallest unit of ordinary matter that retains the properties of an element, consisting of a nucleus made of protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in orbitals. Understanding atoms is fundamental to chemistry and physics as they form the building blocks of molecules and ultimately all matter in the universe.

atom

A molecule is like a tiny building block that makes up everything around us, from the air we breathe to the food we eat. These building blocks are made when different atoms, which are even tinier, stick together in special ways.

molecule

Electrons are subatomic particles with a negative electric charge, fundamental to the structure of atoms and the flow of electricity. They play a crucial role in chemical bonding and are key to understanding quantum mechanics and electromagnetic interactions.

electrons

Net positive charge

Net negative charge

Electrical charge is a fundamental property of matter that causes it to experience a force when placed in an electromagnetic field. It comes in two types, positive and negative, and is conserved in isolated systems, playing a crucial role in electromagnetic interactions.

electrical charge

Chemical reactions involve the transformation of substances through the breaking and forming of chemical bonds, resulting in the conversion of reactants into products. These reactions are governed by the principles of thermodynamics and kinetics, which dictate the feasibility and rate of these transformations.

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