Which statement correctly defines a cation?

Study for the Georgia High School Physical Science Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, detailed hints and explanations included. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which statement correctly defines a cation?

Explanation:
A cation is a positively charged ion. It forms when an atom loses one or more electrons, leaving more protons than electrons and giving the particle a net positive charge. That’s why the correct description is “a positively charged ion.” In contrast, a negative ion is called an anion, a neutral particle has no net charge, and an electron is a negatively charged subatomic particle—not an ion by itself. For example, sodium can lose an electron to become Na+, a common cation.

A cation is a positively charged ion. It forms when an atom loses one or more electrons, leaving more protons than electrons and giving the particle a net positive charge. That’s why the correct description is “a positively charged ion.” In contrast, a negative ion is called an anion, a neutral particle has no net charge, and an electron is a negatively charged subatomic particle—not an ion by itself. For example, sodium can lose an electron to become Na+, a common cation.

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