FREE ION Meaning and
Definition
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A free ion refers to an ion that exists independently and is not chemically bonded to any other atom or molecule. It is an electrically charged particle formed when an atom or molecule gains or loses electrons. The process through which an atom or molecule acquires a charge is known as ionization.
Free ions can be either positively charged or negatively charged, depending on whether they have gained or lost electrons. Positively charged free ions, known as cations, are formed when an atom loses one or more electrons. These cations generally have a smaller size compared to their parent atom, due to the loss of electrons from the outermost shell. Negatively charged free ions, known as anions, are formed when an atom gains one or more electrons. Anions are usually larger in size compared to their parent atom, as the additional electrons cause an increase in electron-electron repulsion.
Free ions play a significant role in various chemical and biological processes. They are involved in the conduction of electrical currents and are responsible for mediating the movement of charged particles across cell membranes in biological systems. Free ions also contribute to the formation of ionic compounds, in which oppositely charged ions are attracted to each other through electrostatic forces to create a stable crystal lattice.
In summary, a free ion is an electrically charged particle that exists independently, having gained or lost electrons to achieve a stable electronic configuration. These ions are crucial in numerous chemical and biological phenomena, playing roles in electrical conduction, cellular processes, and the formation of ionic compounds.
Common Misspellings for FREE ION
- dree ion
- cree ion
- vree ion
- gree ion
- tree ion
- rree ion
- feee ion
- fdee ion
- ffee ion
- ftee ion
- f5ee ion
- f4ee ion
- frwe ion
- frse ion
- frde ion
- frre ion
- fr4e ion
- fr3e ion
- frew ion
- fres ion
Etymology of FREE ION
The term "free ion" does not have a direct etymology as it is a compound phrase formed by combining two separate words: "free" and "ion".
The word "free" comes from Middle English "fre" or "frei", which originated from Old English "freo". It is related to the Old Saxon "fri", Old High German "fri", and Gothic "frija", all of which meant "beloved" or "not in bondage". Over time, "free" evolved to represent the meaning of "not enslaved" or "not restricted".
The word "ion" has a different origin. It comes from the Greek word "iōn", which means "going" or "one who goes". In ancient Greek, this term was specifically used to refer to "one who moves under influence of an attraction" or "one who sets out".
