What defines anions?

Anions are specifically defined as ions that have gained one or more electrons, resulting in a negative charge. This occurs because the addition of electrons, which carry a negative charge, outweighs the positive charges of the protons in the nucleus of the atom. As a result, anions are essential components in various chemical reactions and play a significant role in the formation of ionic bonds when they interact with cations, which are positively charged ions. Understanding this concept is crucial in studying chemical processes, as the behavior of anions and their interactions with other ions significantly influences compound formation and stability.