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  1. 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).

  2. 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 …

  3. 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.

  4. Ion - Wikipedia

    A cation is something that moves down (Greek: κάτω, kato, meaning "down") and an anion is something that moves up (Greek: ἄνω, ano, meaning "up"). They are so called because ions move toward the …

  5. 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.

  6. 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 positively charged …

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. Cation vs Anion: Definition, Chart and the Periodic Table

    Jan 24, 2024 · What is a cation? A cation has more protons than electrons, consequently giving it a net positive charge. For a cation to form, one or more electrons must be lost, typically pulled away by …

  10. 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 the periodic …