Which term refers to atoms or groups of atoms that are bound together and carry a charge?

The term that specifically refers to atoms or groups of atoms that are bound together and carry a charge is ions. Ions result from the loss or gain of electrons, which gives them a net positive or negative charge. For example, when sodium loses an electron, it becomes a positively charged ion (sodium ion), while chlorine gains an electron and becomes a negatively charged ion (chloride ion). This charge separation forms the basis for ionic bonds, which are essential in many compounds, especially in the context of electrolytes in various materials, including those encountered in avionics systems. Understanding ions is crucial in corrosion control as they play a significant role in electrochemical processes that can lead to material degradation.

In contrast, molecules are neutral groups of two or more atoms bonded together, and compounds are substances made up of two or more different kinds of atoms that are chemically joined. Atoms themselves are the smallest units of elements and do not inherently carry a charge unless they become ions.