Anions are atoms that have gained electrons, giving them a negative charge. There are many different types of anions, each with their own distinct properties.
One common type of anion is the chloride ion. Chloride ions are found in many compounds, including table salt (NaCl). They are also present in our bodies, where they help regulate fluid levels and maintain pH balance. Chloride ions are poisonous to humans if consumed in large quantities.
Another type of anion is the sulfate ion. Sulfate ions are found in minerals such as gypsum (CaSO4) and alunite (KAl(SO4)2). They can also be produced artificially through industrial processes. Sulfate ions play an important role in plant nutrition, as they help uptake other nutrients from the soil solution
They are found in compounds where they balance out the positive charges of the cations. Anions are larger than cations because they have more electrons in their shells. This makes them less stable than cations and more likely to form bonds with other elements.