Radical

A radical is an atom of an element or a group of atoms of different elements that behave as a single unit with a positive or negative charge on it.

Positively charged radicals are called basic radicals such as Na+, NH4+ etc.

Negatively charged radicals are called acid radicals such as NO3-, Cl-, etc.

Basic radicals are also known as cations and acid radicals are known as anions.

Radicals are categorised as monovalent, bivalent, trivalent, etc.

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