Question

How would one identify and distinguish cations from anoins, as well as their charges?

Answer 1

cations means which have positive charges and anion  means which have negative charges and we can identify them with the different charges whether it is positive or negative.

Answer 2

Ion is an atom or group of atoms in which the number of electrons is not equal to the number of protons, giving it a net positive or negative electrical charge. An anion is an ion that is negatively charged, and is attracted to the anode (positive electrode) in electrolysis. A cation has a net positive charge, and is attracted to the cathode (negative electrode) during electrolysis.

Examples

ANION
(O2-), sulfide (S2-), fluoride (F-), chloride (Cl-), bromide (Br-), iodide (I-), nitride (N3-) and hydride (H-)

CATION
sodium (Na+), Iron (Fe2+), and Lead (Pb2+)

Etymology

ANION
The Greek word ano (up)

CATION
The Greek word kata (down)

Charge

ANION
Negative

CATHODE
Positive Electrode attracted to during

electrolysis
ANION
Anode

CATION
Cathode

Definition

ANION
An atom or a molecule which is negatively charged, i.e. has more number of electrons than protons.

CATION
An atom or a molecule which is positively charged, i.e. has more number of protons than electrons.

 Type of element

ANION
a nonmetal

CATION
a metal