Kations
Kations are positively charged ions. In English the standard term is cation, with the plural cations; “Kations” is a transliteration sometimes used in other languages, though the typical English form is cation. They form when atoms or molecules lose electrons, leaving a net positive charge. Cations are attracted to negatively charged electrodes and combine with anions to form salts and other ionic compounds.
Cations can be monatomic, such as Na+, K+, and Ca2+, or polyatomic, such as ammonium NH4+. The
In aqueous solution, cations are typically surrounded by water molecules (hydration) and affect properties such as
Cations originate from salts and minerals, dissociating to yield positive ions like Na+, K+, Ca2+, and NH4+.