
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).
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 neutral atom.
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 are …
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 - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A cation is a type of ion that has a positive electric charge. [1] This means it has fewer electrons than protons. The opposite of a cation is an anion, which has a negative charge. Cations can have only …
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.
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
Dec 1, 2025 · 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 positively charged …
Anion vs Cation - Difference and Comparison | Diffen
A cation is an atom or a molecule which is positively charged, i.e. has more number of protons than electrons. Anion originated from the Greek word ano, meaning ‘up’. The word cation originated from …
Positive and Negative Ions: Cations and Anions - dummies
Jul 23, 2021 · Cations (positively-charged ions) and anions (negatively-charged ions) are formed when a metal loses electrons, and a nonmetal gains those electrons. The electrostatic attraction between the …