(a) Explain cations (b) Draw and label an electrolytic cell.
(a) Cations
Cations are positively charged ions. They form when an atom loses one or more electrons. For example:
\[ \text{Na} \rightarrow \text{Na}^{+} + e^{-} \]
In electrolysis, cations are attracted to the cathode, which is the negative electrode, because opposite charges attract. At the cathode, cations gain electrons. Examples of cations include \( \text{H}^{+} \), \( \text{Na}^{+} \), \( \text{Ag}^{+} \), and \( \text{Cu}^{2+} \).
Cations are positively charged ions. They form when an atom loses one or more electrons. For example:
\[ \text{Na} \rightarrow \text{Na}^{+} + e^{-} \]
In electrolysis, cations are attracted to the cathode, which is the negative electrode, because opposite charges attract. At the cathode, cations gain electrons. Examples of cations include \( \text{H}^{+} \), \( \text{Na}^{+} \), \( \text{Ag}^{+} \), and \( \text{Cu}^{2+} \).