Question

Question #617f0

Answer 1

well it depends on situation.
the answer given by arun is right

Explanation:

generally cations are + ve charge( u can remember as cation has t in spelling which represents + sign )

anions are -ve charge ( if an is an suffix it means in a negative way)
i remembered it like this.

generally metals and hydrogen form cations but it is not so as h- exist in hydrides. valancies are variable.
so it is not right to classify whether an element forms cation or anion.

oxygen generally forms anion but in o2f2 it forms cation.
many compunds in acidic and basic medium behave completely differently .
so calling a element (except metals but not transition like cr, mn) is not wise if we do not know actual valancy of element and till what range it can accept or donate electrons

Answer 2

Cations are ions with a positive charge. Anions are ions with a negative charge.

Explanation:

You can remember them like this:
CATions (cat has paws which rhymes with POSitive)
ANions ( A N egtaive ions)

Cations
Electrons are given away to obtain duplet/octet structure. So, there will be more protons than electrons. Thus, more positive charge than negative charge.

Anions
Electrons are received to obtain duplet/octet structure. So, there will be more electrons than protons. Thus, more negative charge than positive charge.

Knowing more about ionic bonding helps understand ions. Watch Tyler Dewitt's video about ionic bonding!