How is a positive ion formed?

A positive ion, also known as a cation, is formed when an atom or molecule loses one or more electrons. This loss of negatively charged electrons results in a net positive charge because the number of protons (which are positively charged) remains unchanged.

In an atom, the balance between protons and electrons determines its overall charge. When electrons are removed, the positive charge of the protons becomes greater than the negative charge of the remaining electrons, thus creating a positive ion.

This process is crucial in various chemical reactions and interactions, as the formation of positive ions can influence reactivity, bonding, and the overall behavior of substances in a chemical environment.