« Back to Glossary IndexA Cation is a metallic element with a positive charged ion that would be attracted to the cathode in electrolysis. A cation has more protons than electrons, consequently giving it a net positive charge. For a cation to form, one or more electrons must be lost, typically pulled away by atoms with a stronger affinity for them.
Cations as found in common spirulina culture medium formulas:
Sodium 4380 mg/l
Potassium 642 mg/l
Magnesium 10mg/l
Calcium 10 mg/l
Iron 0.8 mg/l
Comparison chart
Anion versus Cation comparison chart![Edit this comparison chart](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSI2NiIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNiIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDY2IDI2Ij48cmVjdCB3aWR0aD0iMTAwJSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMDAlIiBmaWxsPSIjY2ZkNGRiIi8+PC9zdmc+) | Anion | Cation |
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Definition | An anion is an atom or a molecule which is negatively charged, i.e. has more number of electrons than protons. | A cation is an atom or a molecule which is positively charged, i.e. has more number of protons than electrons. |
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Charge | Negative | Positive |
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Examples | (O2-), sulfide (S2-), fluoride (F-), chloride (Cl-), bromide (Br-), iodide (I-), nitride (N3-) and hydride (H-) | sodium (Na+), Iron (Fe2+), and Lead (Pb2+) |
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Etymology | The Greek word ano (up) | The Greek word kata (down) |
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Electrode attracted to during electrolysis | Anode | Cathode |
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Type of element | a nonmetal | a metal |
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