* Ions are charged particles: Ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost electrons, giving them a net positive or negative charge.
* Compounds are neutral: Compounds are formed by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. This means that the total positive charge of the cations (positively charged ions) in the compound must equal the total negative charge of the anions (negatively charged ions).
Example:
* Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a common salt. Sodium (Na) loses an electron to become Na+, a cation. Chlorine (Cl) gains an electron to become Cl-, an anion. The attraction between Na+ and Cl- forms a neutral compound.
Summary:
* Ions are charged particles.
* Compounds are neutral, formed by the balance of positive and negative charges from ions.
Therefore, compounds formed by ions are electrically neutral, not positive or negative.
