Cation
Definition
A cation is an atom or group of atoms that has lost one or more electrons, giving it a positive charge.
Analogy
Imagine if you're at a party (the atom), and you decide to leave early (lose an electron). You're now missing something - just like how an atom becomes positively charged when it loses an electron!
Related terms
Ionization Energy: The amount of energy required to remove an electron from an atom or ion. It’s like how much persuasion it would take for you to leave that party early!
Metallic Bonding: Metals often lose electrons easily, forming cations which then bond together through their shared sea of electrons. It's like a group of friends (the metal atoms) all deciding to leave the party early (lose electrons) and hang out together instead.
Electrolyte: A substance that produces an electrically conducting solution when dissolved in water. Cations are often part of electrolytes, like how you might be a key player in starting a new trend at school.
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