Cation: What is a cation

What is a cation? A cation has more protons than electrons , consequently giving it a net positive charge. For a cation to form, one or more electrons must be lost, typically pulled away by atoms with a stronger affinity for them. Learn about the definition, properties, and examples of cations and anions, the two types of ions with opposite charges. Find out how to predict cations and anions based on the periodic table and how to write chemical formulas of ionic compounds. Cations and anions are both ions, but they differ based on their net electrical charge; cations are positive, while anions are negative. Cation Definition A cation is an atom or a group of atoms bearing one or more positive electric charges. Cations are formed in various ways, some of which are: When electrons are removed from neutral atoms or ions or other molecules. By the combination of positive ions with other molecules. By rupture of covalent when causes the shared paired of electrons is associated with one atom, and the other one becomes deficit. Cations are usually formed from metal atoms; however, positive radical ion ...