answersLogoWhite

0

A cation is a positively charged particle that is attracted to a negative cathode.

Cations are formed when an atom loses an electron to have a full outer shell. Metals usually lose electrons to form a cation. They have a positive charge because the atom now has more protons (positive) than electrons (negative).

Example Na+, Mg2+ , Al3+

Heather

(N Ireland)

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is the cation in the formula sodium carbonate?

The cation in the formula for sodium carbonate is sodium (Na+).


How do you write chromium III phosphite?

The chemical formula for chromium(III) phosphite is CrPO3. To write it out, you would indicate the cation first (Cr3+) followed by the anion (PO3-).


What is always true about a chemical formula with H as the cation?

A chemical formula with H as the cation will always be acidic in nature because H cation represents a proton which can release in solution and contribute to acidity.


To write the formula for an ionic compound write the formulas for the cation and the anion then use subscripts to what charges?

To write the formula for an ionic compound, you first write the symbol for the cation (positively charged ion) followed by the symbol for the anion (negatively charged ion). Then, you use subscripts to indicate the ratio of ions needed to balance the charges to make it electrically neutral. The subscripts are the smallest whole numbers that will ensure the compound has a net charge of zero.


When a chemical formula has an H as the cation what kind of compound is it?

H + cation => acid


How do I write the formula for lead (II) and phosphate?

The formula for lead (II) phosphate is Pb3(PO4)2. This compound is formed when one lead cation (Pb2+) combines with two phosphate anions (PO43-).


What is the chemical formula for the cation and anion in the compound cr(co3)2?

The chemical formula for the cation in the compound Cr(CO3)2 is Cr2 and for the anion is CO32-.


What is the chemical formula for the cation and anion in the compound cr(co3)3?

The chemical formula for the cation in the compound Cr(CO3)3 is Cr3 and for the anion is CO32-.


What is the chemical formula for zinc cation with acetate anion?

The chemical formula for zinc cation is Zn^2+ and for acetate anion is CH3COO-. Therefore, when these two ions combine, the chemical formula for zinc cation with acetate anion is Zn(CH3COO)2.


How can a Roman numerals in a chemical name be used to write a chemical formula?

The Roman numeral following the cation tells you the oxidation number of that cation. For example, Cu(ll)chloride tags you it is CuCl2 because the (ll) after Cu indicates an ox. no. of 2+.


What is the formula for potassium cation?

K+ K is potassium. When it becomes ionized, it loses an electron and therefore becomes positive, hence the + sign


What is the formula of the ionic compound?

The potassium ion (cation) is K+.