CVS Practice Test

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What type of ion is considered positively charged?

Cations
Neutral ions
Anions
Electrons

The correct answer is: Cations

A cation is defined as an ion that has a positive charge. This occurs when an atom loses one or more electrons, which are negatively charged particles. The loss of electrons results in an imbalance between the number of protons, which are positively charged, and electrons, leading to a net positive charge on the ion. This is a fundamental concept in chemistry, underscoring how ions are classified based on their charge. In contrast, neutral ions carry no charge due to an equal number of protons and electrons. Anions, on the other hand, are ions that have accepted extra electrons, giving them a net negative charge. Electrons themselves are not ions but rather subatomic particles that contribute to the overall charge of an ion. Therefore, the characterization of cations as positively charged ions is a crucial aspect of understanding atomic structure and ionic interactions.