What do we call an atom or molecule that carries a charge due to the gain or loss of electrons?

An atom or molecule that carries a charge due to the gain or loss of electrons is specifically referred to as an ion. This occurs because when an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged and is known as an anion. Conversely, when an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged and is called a cation. This ability to carry a charge is fundamental to many chemical reactions and the formation of compounds.

In contrast, a molecule refers to a group of atoms bonded together, but this term does not imply any specific charge. A compound is a type of molecule that consists of two or more different elements chemically bonded together, which can be neutral or charged, but does not inherently imply the presence of a charge. An element, on the other hand, is a pure substance made of only one type of atom, which is also typically neutral unless it interacts in a manner that alters its electron count. Thus, the term that accurately describes a charged atom or molecule is ion.