What is the general charge of a negatively charged ion?

A negatively charged ion, also known as an anion, carries an overall negative charge due to the presence of more electrons than protons in its structure. This excess of electrons gives the ion its negative charge, which is a defining characteristic. The number of electrons in the ion is greater than the number of protons, resulting in this net negative charge.

Understanding that ions can gain or lose electrons is essential. When an atom gains one or more electrons, it becomes negatively charged, transforming it into an anion. For example, when a chlorine atom gains an electron, it becomes a chloride ion with a negative charge.

The concept of charge neutrality indicates that a neutral particle has an equal number of protons and electrons, while positive ions (cations) result from a loss of electrons (leading to a surplus of protons). The variability of charge isn't applicable in this context because a negatively charged ion consistently holds a negative charge as long as it maintains its additional electrons. Thus, the charge of a negatively charged ion is consistently negative.