Which term describes a positively charged ion?

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 term describes a positively charged ion?

Explanation:
A positively charged ion is called a cation. It forms when an atom loses electrons, leaving more protons than electrons, which gives the atom a net positive charge. Metals often form cations, such as Na+ or Ca2+. In contrast, anions are negatively charged ions formed when atoms gain electrons. An electron is a negatively charged particle, and a proton is a positively charged particle, but ions are whole atoms or molecules with a net charge.

A positively charged ion is called a cation. It forms when an atom loses electrons, leaving more protons than electrons, which gives the atom a net positive charge. Metals often form cations, such as Na+ or Ca2+. In contrast, anions are negatively charged ions formed when atoms gain electrons. An electron is a negatively charged particle, and a proton is a positively charged particle, but ions are whole atoms or molecules with a net charge.

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