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A cation is a positively charged ion. It forms when an atom or molecule loses one or more electrons, resulting in a net positive charge. Cations are typically formed by metals or metal-containing species, but may also arise from protonation or alkylation of larger molecules. In contrast, anions are negatively charged ions.
Cations include monatomic cations, such as Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Fe3+, as well as polyatomic cations like
In aqueous solutions, cations are surrounded by water molecules in a hydration shell, and their interactions
In electrochemistry, cations migrate toward the cathode, where they may be reduced or discharged during electrolysis
Overall, cations are a fundamental category of ions characterized by positive charge, diverse chemical identities, and