What are positively charged ions called in electrolysis?

In the context of electrolysis, positively charged ions are known as cations. When an electric current is passed through a solution or molten ionic compound, the cations migrate towards the cathode (the negative electrode), where they gain electrons and can undergo reduction. This behavior is fundamental to the process of electrolysis, as the movement and reaction of cations facilitate the separation of elements or compounds within the solution.

To further understand why this terminology is important, it’s useful to note that anions are negatively charged ions, which move towards the anode (the positive electrode) during electrolysis. Electrons are subatomic particles that carry a negative charge, while protons are positively charged particles that are found within atomic nuclei. However, in the context of electrolysis and the question at hand, it is specifically the cations that carry a positive charge and play a vital role in the electrochemical reactions occurring at the electrodes.