What is a cation?

A cation is defined as a positively charged ion. This occurs when an atom loses one or more electrons, leading to a net positive charge because the number of protons exceeds the number of electrons. For instance, when a sodium atom (Na) loses an electron, it becomes a sodium cation (Na⁺), which has a positive charge.

The concept of cations is essential in chemistry as they play crucial roles in ionic bonding, conducting electricity in solutions, and influencing the properties of salts and minerals. Understanding cations helps explain various processes in chemistry and biology, where ionic charges are fundamental to reactions and interactions. This clarity about cations also assists in grasping the different types of ions and their roles in different chemical contexts.