Cations are defined as what?

Cations are indeed defined as positively charged ions formed by the loss of electrons. When an atom loses one or more electrons, it results in a greater number of protons compared to electrons, leading to a positive charge. This is an important concept in chemistry, particularly in understanding ionic compounds and reactions.

For example, sodium (Na) can lose an electron to become Na⁺, a cation. The study of cations is critical in cathodic protection and electrochemistry, where the behavior of ions in electrolytic solutions affects the efficiency of corrosion prevention techniques. Understanding cations provides insight into how electrical charges interact and how materials can be protected in various environments.