Is cation the same as protons?

1 Answer
Ryuu
Nov 28, 2016

No.

Explanation:

Cations and anions are electrically charged ions - cations are the ions in a compound where it loses an electron when reacting with another ion. Similar to anions that gains electrons.

Protons are subatomic particles with a positive electric charge. They belong in the "family" of neutrons and electrons (and other tiny particles).

E.g:
#NaCl -># the cation is #Na^+#.
#CaCl_"2" -># the cation is #Ca^(2+)#.

Hope this helps :)

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