Which term refers to a positively charged ion?

Which term refers to a positively charged ion?

• A. Electron
• B. Anion
• C. Cation
• D. Neutron

Answer: (C)

A positively charged ion is formed when an atom loses one or more electrons, leaving more protons than electrons. This species is called a cation. The loss of negatively charged electrons creates a net positive charge, so the atom becomes a positively charged ion, like sodium losing an electron to become Na+. An electron is a negatively charged particle, not an ion of an atom in typical chemistry usage, and a neutron has no electrical charge at all. A negatively charged ion is an anion, which forms when an atom gains electrons.

A positively charged ion is formed when an atom loses one or more electrons, leaving more protons than electrons. This species is called a cation. The loss of negatively charged electrons creates a net positive charge, so the atom becomes a positively charged ion, like sodium losing an electron to become Na+.

An electron is a negatively charged particle, not an ion of an atom in typical chemistry usage, and a neutron has no electrical charge at all. A negatively charged ion is an anion, which forms when an atom gains electrons.