cation
cation — noun
1. an atom or small group of atoms whose electric charge is positive, causing it to
an atom or small group of atoms whose electric charge is positive, causing it to be drawn toward the negative end when an electric current runs through a liquid
Priya watched the copper cations move toward the cathode during her chemistry experiment.
cation + cathode collocation in electrolysis context
A sodium cation forms when a sodium atom gives away one of its electrons.
cation formation through electron loss
The lab assistant measured the number of calcium cations in the tap water sample.
In a battery, positive cations travel through the liquid inside to carry the electric current.
When table salt dissolves, sodium cations and chloride anions drift apart in the water.
- positive ion
less formal and less precise; used in general science writing instead of specialist chemistry contexts
- anion
the negatively charged counterpart of a cation
用法筆記
Opposed to anion, which is a negatively charged ion. This term appears mainly in chemistry and physics textbooks rather than everyday conversation.