What is a cation?

What is a cation?

• A. A positively charged ion
• B. A negatively charged ion
• C. An uncharged atom
• D. A neutral molecule

Answer: (A)

A cation is defined as a positively charged ion, which means it has lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net positive charge. This can occur during various chemical reactions where atoms lose electrons to become more stable, especially in the formation of ionic compounds. The loss of negatively charged electrons leaves the atom with more protons than electrons, giving it an overall positive charge. In contrast, negatively charged ions, which are known as anions, result from an atom gaining electrons. An uncharged atom retains equal numbers of protons and electrons, making it neutral. Similarly, a neutral molecule consists of at least two atoms bonded together without any net electrical charge. Therefore, the definition of a cation exclusively encompasses those ions with a positive charge, confirming that the answer is indeed correct.

A cation is defined as a positively charged ion, which means it has lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net positive charge. This can occur during various chemical reactions where atoms lose electrons to become more stable, especially in the formation of ionic compounds. The loss of negatively charged electrons leaves the atom with more protons than electrons, giving it an overall positive charge.

In contrast, negatively charged ions, which are known as anions, result from an atom gaining electrons. An uncharged atom retains equal numbers of protons and electrons, making it neutral. Similarly, a neutral molecule consists of at least two atoms bonded together without any net electrical charge. Therefore, the definition of a cation exclusively encompasses those ions with a positive charge, confirming that the answer is indeed correct.