Atom or group of atoms carrying a positive electric charge, indicated by a superscript plus sign after the chemical symbol. Cations in a liquid subjected to an electric field collect at the negative pole (cathode). Examples include sodium (Na^+), calcium (Ca^2+), and ammonium (NH4^+; see ammonia). See also ion; Compare anion
Positively charged ion in solution When minerals dissolve in water, they form ions that have a tiny positive or negative electrical charge John Comer, Indiana Geological Survey
a positively charged ion in an electrolyte solution, attracted to the cathode under the influence of a difference in electrical potential Sodium ion (Na+) is a cation
(Kimya) A chemical process in which cations of like charge are exchanged equally between a solid, such as zeolite, and a solution, such as water. The process is often used to soften water
(Bilim, İlim) In soil science, cation exchange capacity (CEC) is the capacity of a soil for ion exchange of positively charged ions between the soil and the soil solution. A positively-charged ion, which has fewer electrons than protons, is known as a cation due to its attraction to cathodes. Cation exchange capacity is used as a measure of fertility, nutrient retention capacity, and the capacity to protect groundwater from cation contamination
Think chemistry class When an atom or molecule has more protons (positively charged particles) than electrons (negatively charged particles), it has an overall positive charge and is called a cation Many minerals, when in solution (that is, dissolved in water), carry a positive charge Clay particles are negatively charged and will attract any cations in solution that are near it; just like two magnets of opposite charge are attracted See also clay