cation

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cation

cation , atom or group of atoms carrying a positive charge. The charge results because there are more protons than electrons in the cation. Cations can be formed from a metal by oxidation (see oxidation and reduction ), from a neutral base (see acids and bases ) by protonation, or from a polar compound by ionization. Cationic species include Na ⁺ , Mg ⁺⁺ , and NH ₄⁺ . The cations of the transition elements have characteristic colors in water solution. Salts are made up of cations and anions . See ion .

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cation

A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition | 2005 | | Â© A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

cation Chemical term for a positively charged ion.

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DAVID A. BENDER. "cation." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 16 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

DAVID A. BENDER. "cation." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (November 16, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O39-cation.html

DAVID A. BENDER. "cation." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Retrieved November 16, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O39-cation.html

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cation

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Â© World Encyclopedia 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

cation Positive ion that is attracted to the cathode during electrolysis.

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