What is a negative aspect of an anion?

An anion is defined as a negatively charged ion, which means it has gained one or more electrons. This additional electron or electrons result in an excess that makes the ion negatively charged. It’s essential to understand that while gaining electrons gives anions their negative charge, this characteristic is not inherently negative in terms of the terms used in chemistry. Rather, the presence of extra electrons enables anions to play vital roles in various chemical reactions and processes.

The options related to neutrality, positive charge, and imbalance in the number of electrons and protons do not accurately describe anions. Anions are specifically characterized by their extra electrons, which directly correlates to their negative charge. Thus, having an excess of electrons is a defining feature of anions, and understanding this concept is crucial for grasping the behavior of ions in chemical contexts.