Which term describes a positive ion formed by losing electrons?

A positive ion, or cation, is formed when an atom loses one or more electrons. This loss of negatively charged electrons results in an overall positive charge due to the greater number of protons (positively charged) compared to electrons. Cations are typically formed by metals during chemical reactions, particularly when they react with nonmetals.

In contrast, anions are negatively charged ions formed when atoms gain electrons. Neutral atoms have an equal number of protons and electrons, resulting in no overall charge. Molecules are formed by the chemical bonding of two or more atoms and do not inherently indicate an ionic charge. Therefore, the term that accurately describes a positive ion formed by the loss of electrons is cation.