Which of the following correctly identifies the charge of a cation?

Which of the following correctly identifies the charge of a cation?

• A. Neutral
• B. Negative
• C. Positive
• D. Variable

Answer: (C)

A cation is an ion that has a positive charge. This occurs when an atom loses one or more electrons, which are negatively charged particles. The loss of these electrons results in a greater number of protons, which are positively charged, than electrons in the atom, giving the ion an overall positive charge. This is a fundamental concept in chemistry, as the behavior of ions influences chemical bonding and reactions. Understanding the nature of cations is crucial for grasping more complex concepts in biology and chemistry, such as cellular processes, enzyme activity, and ionic compounds.

A cation is an ion that has a positive charge. This occurs when an atom loses one or more electrons, which are negatively charged particles. The loss of these electrons results in a greater number of protons, which are positively charged, than electrons in the atom, giving the ion an overall positive charge. This is a fundamental concept in chemistry, as the behavior of ions influences chemical bonding and reactions. Understanding the nature of cations is crucial for grasping more complex concepts in biology and chemistry, such as cellular processes, enzyme activity, and ionic compounds.