What does a cation represent in terms of electrical charge?

A cation is defined as an ion with a positive electrical charge. This positive charge arises when an atom or molecule loses one or more electrons, resulting in a surplus of protons compared to electrons. Since protons carry a positive charge, the overall charge of the cation becomes positive.

Understanding this concept is essential, especially in fields like electrochemistry and corrosion, where the behavior of cations can significantly influence reactions and interactions in various environments. Cations play a crucial role in many processes, including electrolyte balance in biological systems and the conduction of electricity in solutions.

In contrast, negatively charged ions are known as anions, and neutral particles, which have an equal number of protons and electrons, do not represent cations.