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.
Compound |
Positive part – Basic radical |
Negative part – Acid radical |
Sodium nitrate Ammonium sulphate |
Na+ NH4+ |
NO3− SO42− |