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An atom is a neutral structure consisting of a single nucleus with its orbiting electrons. A cation is a positively charged structure consisting of a single nucleus with its orbiting electrons. The major difference between an atom and a cation is that the cation has lost one or more electrons and therefore has a positive charge overall.

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What is the name of a cation in an atom?

The name of a cation in an atom is electron. Cation refers to an ion of negative charge. Since electron is also of the same charge, the cation is electron.


Which atom is the cation in ammonium chloride salt?

No single atom is the cation in ammonium chloride. The cation is polyatomic NH4+1.


An atom that has lost two electrons is called?

This atom become a cation with the electrical charge +2.


Which is larger (a) a cation or the neutral atom from which it forms?

The neutral metal atom is larger than its cation, because to form a cation, the valence energy level of electrons is lost, reducing its radius.


What atom more positive?

An atom is neutral; the cation is positive.


What happens with the electrons when an atom froms a cation and an anion?

A cation is an atom that has lost one or more electrons. An anion is an atom that has gained one or more electrons.


How does the size of each compare with the size of the neutral atom form which it is formed?

A cation is smaller than the neutral atom because one electron is removed from the original atom to form it. An anion is larger than the neutral atom because one electron is added to the original atom to form it.


How does the diameter of the K atom compare to the diameter of the K plus cation?

The K+ cation is much, much smaller than the neutral K atom--as much as 10 time smaller. This is true of all atoms and their cations, since in a cation there are more protons than electrons. Because of this, the protons' pull on the electrons is very strong, pulling the electron cloud much closer to the nucleus


What is the symbol and name for the cation formed when a potassium atom loses one electron?

The symbol for the cation formed when a potassium atom loses one electron is K+, and is named the potassium ion.


What is an atom that gives up electrons?

A cation


Where are the negatively charged particles?

a cation atom


What happens when a neutral atom becomes positive?

the excess protons pull harder on the fewer neutrons