In chemistry, which statement best defines a cation?

In chemistry, which statement best defines a cation?

• A. Molecule
• B. Cation
• C. Neutral atom
• D. Anion

Answer: (B)

A cation is a positively charged ion. This means it has more protons than electrons, giving it a net positive charge. It forms when an atom or a group of atoms loses electrons. For example, when sodium loses an electron it becomes Na+, a positively charged cation. This distinguishes it from a neutral atom, which has equal numbers of protons and electrons and therefore no net charge, and from an anion, which is a negatively charged ion formed when an atom gains electrons. A molecule isn’t defined by charge alone, and while charged species can be part of larger molecules, the term cation specifically refers to the positively charged form.

A cation is a positively charged ion. This means it has more protons than electrons, giving it a net positive charge. It forms when an atom or a group of atoms loses electrons. For example, when sodium loses an electron it becomes Na+, a positively charged cation. This distinguishes it from a neutral atom, which has equal numbers of protons and electrons and therefore no net charge, and from an anion, which is a negatively charged ion formed when an atom gains electrons. A molecule isn’t defined by charge alone, and while charged species can be part of larger molecules, the term cation specifically refers to the positively charged form.