Positively charged ions that are attracted to the cathode (negative electrode) in electrolysis.
From Greek 'kata' (down) and 'ion' (going), coined by English scientist Michael Faraday in 1834. The term describes the movement of these particles toward the negative electrode during electrical processes.
Faraday's naming system for electrical particles reflects the Victorian era's love of Greek etymology in scientific terminology. The fact that cations move toward the cathode creates a memorable linguistic connection that has helped students remember chemistry fundamentals for nearly two centuries.
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