What are cations?

What are cations?

• A. Negatively charged ions
• B. Positively charged ions
• C. Neutrally charged particles
• D. Electrically neutral atoms

Answer: (B)

Cations are positively charged ions, which means they possess more protons than electrons. This positive charge occurs when an atom loses one or more electrons, resulting in an excess of positive charge relative to negative charge. Understanding the concept of cations is crucial in water treatment and other fields, as they play a significant role in various chemical reactions and processes, including those involving solubility, conductivity, and the behavior of different compounds in water. Recognizing that cations differ from anions, which are negatively charged ions, provides a clearer picture of ionic interactions in solutions.

Cations are positively charged ions, which means they possess more protons than electrons. This positive charge occurs when an atom loses one or more electrons, resulting in an excess of positive charge relative to negative charge. Understanding the concept of cations is crucial in water treatment and other fields, as they play a significant role in various chemical reactions and processes, including those involving solubility, conductivity, and the behavior of different compounds in water. Recognizing that cations differ from anions, which are negatively charged ions, provides a clearer picture of ionic interactions in solutions.