Here's why:
* Cations are positively charged ions formed by the loss of electrons.
* Anions are negatively charged ions formed by the gain of electrons.
In a neutral compound, the total positive charge from the cations must be exactly balanced by the total negative charge from the anions. This ensures that the overall charge of the compound is zero.
Example:
Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a neutral compound. Sodium (Na) forms a +1 cation (Na+) and chlorine (Cl) forms a -1 anion (Cl-). The sum of charges is +1 + (-1) = 0.
Important Note: This principle applies to any neutral compound, whether it is ionic, covalent, or a combination of both.
