Which term describes a compound that contains positively and negatively charged ions?

• A. Cation
• B. Anion
• C. Ionic Compound
• D. Physical Change

Answer: (C)

When a substance contains both positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions), it is held together by strong electrostatic forces between those opposite charges. This arrangement defines an ionic compound—the whole compound is made up of ions rather than neutral molecules. A cation or anion refers to a single charged particle, not the entire substance. A physical change describes changes in state or form without changing the chemical composition, which doesn’t describe the nature of the compound.