The term "ion" refers to which of the following?

The term "ion" specifically refers to an atom or molecule that has lost or gained one or more electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge. When an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged and is known as a cation. Conversely, when an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged and is termed an anion. This characteristic of having a charge distinguishes ions from neutral atoms, which have an equal number of protons and electrons, and from molecules, which are composed of two or more atoms bonded together. The definition of an ion is crucial in understanding chemical reactions, electricity, and various processes in both biology and chemistry, where charged particles play significant roles.