
Cations and Anions: Definitions, Examples, and Differences
Mar 3, 2020 · The chemical formula of a compound is always written with the cation first, followed by the anion. For example, Na is the cation and Cl is the anion in NaCl (table salt).
7.3: Cations - Chemistry LibreTexts
Summary Cations are formed by the loss of one or two electrons from an element. Groups 1 and 2 elements form cations. Cations are named according to the pare nt element. Cation charges …
CATION Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
The meaning of CATION is the ion in an electrolyzed solution that migrates to the cathode; broadly : a positively charged ion.
Cations and Anions - Ions | ChemTalk
A cation is an ion that has lost one or more electrons, giving a net positive charge. Because one or more electrons are removed to form a cation, the cation of an atom is smaller than the …
CATION | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
CATION meaning: 1. in chemistry, an ion (= type of atom) that has a positive electric charge and therefore moves…. Learn more.
Cation - Properties, Symbols and Formation | CK-12 Foundation
Jan 1, 2026 · Cations Sodium loses an electron to become a cation. Some elements lose one or more electrons in forming ions. These ions are known as “ cations ” because they are …
Cation Definition - Intro to Chemistry Key Term | Fiveable
A cation is a positively charged ion that results from the loss of one or more electrons by an atom or molecule. Cations are an essential concept in understanding chemical nomenclature and …
Carbocation - Wikipedia
Carbocation The tert -butyl cation is a relatively stable carbenium ion. [1] Carbocation is a general term for ions with a positively charged carbon atom. In the present-day definition given by the …
The Difference Between a Cation and an Anion - ThoughtCo
Aug 3, 2024 · When writing the formula of a compound, the cation is listed before the anion. For example, in NaCl, the sodium atom acts as the cation, while the chlorine atom acts as the anion.
Cation | chemistry | Britannica
Cation, atom or group of atoms that bears a positive electric charge. See.