Which of the following is negatively charged?

An anion is a negatively charged ion that forms when an atom or molecule gains one or more electrons. This gain of electrons results in more negatively charged particles than positively charged particles, making the overall charge of the anion negative. Anions are crucial in various chemical reactions, especially in the context of agriculture, as they can impact the availability and mobility of nutrients in the soil.

In contrast, a cation is positively charged, indicating that it has lost one or more electrons. Neutral refers to particles that have equal numbers of protons and electrons, resulting in no overall charge. The term radion typically refers to particles or nuclei that emit radiation, which is not relevant to the discussion of charged ions. Understanding the distinction between these terms is vital for crop advisors, as the behavior of anions and cations influences soil chemistry and fertility management practices.