What charge do cations hold as described by the mnemonic 'CATions are PAWsitive'?

What charge do cations hold as described by the mnemonic 'CATions are PAWsitive'?

• A. Negative
• B. No charge
• C. Positive
• D. Neutral

Answer: (C)

Cations are positively charged ions. The mnemonic "CATions are PAWsitive" serves as an effective memory aid to help recall that cations have a positive charge, akin to how a cat might purport a playful or positive demeanor. In the context of ionic compounds, the formation of cations occurs when an atom loses one or more electrons, resulting in a net positive charge due to the excess of protons compared to electrons. This process commonly occurs with metals that have fewer valence electrons and are more likely to give them up to achieve a stable electronic configuration. Overall, the association of cations with a positive charge is crucial in understanding various concepts in chemistry, such as the behavior of metals in reactions, conductivity, and the formation of ionic bonds. Recognizing that cations are positively charged allows for better understanding of their role in electrical and chemical processes.

Cations are positively charged ions. The mnemonic "CATions are PAWsitive" serves as an effective memory aid to help recall that cations have a positive charge, akin to how a cat might purport a playful or positive demeanor.

In the context of ionic compounds, the formation of cations occurs when an atom loses one or more electrons, resulting in a net positive charge due to the excess of protons compared to electrons. This process commonly occurs with metals that have fewer valence electrons and are more likely to give them up to achieve a stable electronic configuration.

Overall, the association of cations with a positive charge is crucial in understanding various concepts in chemistry, such as the behavior of metals in reactions, conductivity, and the formation of ionic bonds. Recognizing that cations are positively charged allows for better understanding of their role in electrical and chemical processes.