CBSE Class 9 Answered

Ions or Radicals

An ion or radical is an atom or a group of atoms of the same or different elements which behave as a single unit with a positive or negative charge on it.

Radicals have their own combining power based on which they form chemical formulae.

Types:

Radicals are of two types:

(1) Basic or positive radicals

     These have a positive charge and are also called cations.

      Example: All metallic ions and ammonium ion (NH₄⁺) are basic radicals.

(2) Acid or negative radicals

     These have a negative charge and are also called anions.

     Example: Most of all non-metallic ions and groups of non-metallic atoms with a negative

                    charge are acid radicals.