What type of charge does an ion possess?

An ion is defined as an atom or molecule that has a net electrical charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons. This results in either a positive or negative charge; when an atom loses electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion or cation, and when it gains electrons, it becomes a negatively charged ion or anion. Therefore, the correct understanding of the nature of ions is that they can possess either a positive or negative charge, depending on the electron balance in the atom or molecule. This dual possibility is fundamental to the behavior of ions in chemical reactions and their interactions in different environments, highlighting the role of electrical charge in ion formation and reactivity.