Chemistry / Unit 2 Chem 0228 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Cation
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The idea
A cation is a positively charged ion, formed when an atom or molecule loses one or more electrons.
In practice
A calcium atom that loses two electrons becomes the Ca2+ cation, carrying two more protons than electrons.
Where people slip
The name refers to the missing electrons, not extra protons — the proton count never changes when an ion forms.
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