Ions with a positive charge are termed cations. This positive charge arises because these ions have fewer electrons than protons. A sodium atom, for example, can lose one electron to become a sodium cation (Na+). This process of electron removal results in a net positive charge on the ion.
The formation of positively charged ions is fundamental to understanding chemical bonding and reactivity. Cations are essential components of ionic compounds, playing a crucial role in various biological and industrial processes. Historically, understanding the nature of ions, including how they acquire their charge, revolutionized the fields of chemistry and physics, enabling advancements in materials science and electrochemistry.
