Examples of Monovalent, Divalent, and Trivalent Cations and Anions

Cations are positively charged ions, while anions are negatively charged ions. The charge on an ion is due to the gain or loss of one or more electrons. The number of electrons gained or lost determines the charge of the ion. Cations can be mono, di, or trivalent, depending on the number of electrons they lose, while anions can be mono or divalent. Here are some examples of monovalent, divalent, and trivalent cations and anions:

Monovalent Cations
1. Sodium (Na+)
2. Potassium (K+)
3. Silver (Ag+)
4. Copper (Cu+)

Divalent Cations
1. Calcium (Ca2+)
2. Magnesium (Mg2+)
3. Zinc (Zn2+)
4. Iron (Fe2+)

Trivalent Cations
1. Aluminum (Al3+)
2. Chromium (Cr3+)
3. Iron (Fe3+)
4. Antimony (Sb3+)

Monovalent Anions
1. Chloride (Cl-)
2. Bromide (Br-)
3. Iodide (I-)
4. Acetate (CH3COO-)

Divalent Anions
1. Sulfate (SO42-)
2. Carbonate (CO32-)
3. Nitrate (NO3-)
4. Oxide (O2-)

Explanation

Cations are formed when an atom loses one or more electrons, resulting in a positive charge. The number of electrons lost determines the charge of the cation. For example, sodium (Na) has one valence electron in its outermost shell. It loses this electron to form Na+ ion. Similarly, calcium (Ca) has two valence electrons in its outermost shell. It loses both electrons to form Ca2+ ion.

Anions are formed when an atom gains one or more electrons, resulting in a negative charge. The number of electrons gained determines the charge of the anion. For example, chloride (Cl) has seven valence electrons in its outermost shell. It gains one electron to form Cl- ion. Similarly, sulfate (SO4) has six valence electrons in its outermost shell. It gains two electrons to form SO42- ion.

Monovalent cations and anions have one charge, while divalent cations and anions have two charges. Trivalent cations have three charges. The charge on the ion determines its reactivity and ability to form chemical bonds. Monovalent ions have weaker electrostatic attractions than divalent or trivalent ions, making them more reactive and easier to dissolve in water.

In summary, cations and anions are formed by the gain or loss of electrons, resulting in a positive or negative charge, respectively. Monovalent, divalent, and trivalent cations and anions have one, two, or three charges, respectively, based on the number of electrons gained or lost. The charge on the ion determines its reactivity and ability to form chemical bonds.