Cation — Science definition
A positively charged ion, formed when an atom loses one or more electrons (typically a metal).
Where it is taught
- Ionic Bonding — Bonding, Formulas & Molecular Structure, Physical Science: Chemistry, Grade 11
In use
An ionic formula balances total cation and anion charge in the simplest whole-number ratio.
Ionic Bonding
Questions using cation
Problem 1
Which type of element usually forms a cation by losing electrons?
- a halogen
- a metal
- a nonmetal
- a noble gas
Answer and explanation
a metal
Metals hold their few valence electrons loosely and lose them to become positive cations.