Cation and Anion

A cation (pronounced cat ion, not cay-shun) is a positively charged ion, one that has lost (an) electron(s). If you like cats, it is easy to remember that a cation is positive. If you do not like cats, the t in cation looks like a +.

An anion is a negatively charged ion, one that has gained (an) electron(s). Anion sounds like onion, and onions make you cry, making it easy to remember that it is negative.