How Do You Spell CATION?

Pronunciation: [kˈata͡ɪən] (IPA)

Cation is a word commonly used in chemistry to describe an ion with a positive charge. It is spelled as /ˈkætʃən/, phonetically. The first letter is pronounced as 'k', followed by the schwa sound 'ə', then the 'tʃ' sound which is similar to the 'ch' sound in 'chocolate' or 'church'. Finally, the word ends with the vowel 'a' and the consonant 'n'. Proper spelling of this word is essential to prevent misunderstandings in scientific communication.

CATION Meaning and Definition

  1. A cation is a positively charged ion that forms when an atom or molecule loses one or more electrons. It is derived from the Greek word "kation," meaning "going down," which symbolizes the loss of electrons and reduction in negativity. Cations are typically formed by metals, as they have low ionization energies, readily losing electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.

    When an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged due to the unequal number of protons and electrons. The charge on the cation is equal to the number of electrons lost. For example, if an atom loses one electron, it becomes a univalent or monovalent cation with a charge of +1; if it loses two electrons, it becomes a divalent cation with a charge of +2, and so on. Cations can also be formed by polyatomic ions, which are tightly bound groups of atoms carrying a charge when they lose electrons.

    Cations play a crucial role in various chemical reactions and processes. They are attracted to negatively charged species, like anions, in order to form electrically neutral compounds. Cations often form ionic bonds with anions to create ionic compounds, which have a strong lattice structure and high melting and boiling points. They are also involved in electrolysis, whereby electric currents induce the migration of cations towards the negatively charged cathode, leading to electrochemical reactions. Cations are fundamental in many fields such as chemistry, physics, and biology, where they contribute to the functionality of molecules, ions, and compounds.

  2. Kation, an ion, the basic radical, carrying a charge of positive electricity; the element which, during electrolysis of a chemical compound, appears at the negative pole or cathode; the atoms of hydrogen and of all metals are cations; in the case of a salt the base is the cation, the acid the anion.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. An electro-positive substance which appears or is evolved at the cathode.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CATION

Etymology of CATION

The word "cation" originates from the Greek word "katión", which is the neuter form of the adjective "katíōn" meaning "going down" or "substance that goes down". The term was coined in the early 19th century by the English chemist and physicist Michael Faraday, who used it to describe positively charged ions that are attracted to a negatively charged electrode during electrolysis. The prefix "cat-" denotes "downward" or "below", emphasizing the opposite behavior of cations compared to anions (negatively charged ions).

Similar spelling words for CATION

Plural form of CATION is CATIONS

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: