What is the term for an ion that carries a positive charge?

A cation is defined as an ion that carries a positive charge. This occurs when an atom loses one or more electrons, resulting in a net positive charge due to there being more protons than electrons. Cations play a crucial role in many chemical reactions and ionic bonding, as they can interact with anions, which are negatively charged ions. Understanding the behavior of cations is fundamental in fields like chemistry, biochemistry, and various applications in technology and materials science.

In contrast, anions are negatively charged ions formed when atoms gain electrons. Radicals refer to atoms or molecules that have unpaired electrons, making them highly reactive but not directly related to charge. Isotopes are variations of the same element that differ in the number of neutrons, affecting atomic mass but not charge. Thus, recognizing the properties and distinctions of ions is essential for grasping their significance in scientific concepts.