Negatively charged ions, known as anions, are atoms or molecules that have gained one or more electrons, resulting in a net negative charge. This process occurs when an atom attracts additional electrons, which can happen during chemical reactions or interactions with other substances. Anions play a crucial role in various chemical processes, including the formation of salts and the conduction of electricity in solutions. Common examples of negatively charged ions include chloride (Cl⁻) and sulfate (SO₄²⁻), which are essential in biological systems and industrial applications.