Cations have which type of charge?

Cations are positively charged ions. This occurs when an atom loses one or more electrons, resulting in a net positive charge. Electrons carry a negative charge, so when they are removed, the overall charge of the atom shifts to positive. Cations play crucial roles in various chemical processes, including nutrient uptake in plants.

In the context of soil chemistry, cations are vital for plant growth as they include essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These positively charged ions can interact with negatively charged soil particles, which helps in holding onto nutrients and making them available to plants. Understanding that cations carry a positive charge is fundamental for grasping concepts related to soil health, fertility, and plant nutrition.