What Is the Difference Between a Cation and an Anion?

Cations and anions are both ions. The difference between a cation and an anion is the net electrical charge of the ion.

Ions are atoms or molecules which have gained or lost one or more valence electrons giving the ion a net positive or negative charge.

Cations are ions with a net positive charge.

Silver: Ag⁺, hydronium: H₃O⁺, and ammonium: NH₄⁺

Anions are ions with a net negative charge.

Examples: hydroxide anion: OH^-, oxide anion: O^2-, and sulfate anion: SO₄^2-