Positive ion
What Positive ion means in Combined Science GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Positive ion
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Positive ion in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
The ion in the base, alkali or carbonate that determines the first part of the salt name and comes from the base, alkali or carbonate.
Formed when an atom loses electrons from the outer shell so that the number of protons exceeds the number of electrons.
A metal atom loses electrons to become a positively charged ion.
Topics that use Positive ion
- Ionic bonding (AQA GCSE)
- Metals and non-metals (AQA GCSE)
- Neutralisation of acids and salt production (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Acid anions
- Acids, bases and alkalis
- Atomic number
- Balanced equations and state symbols
- Charge and notation
- Charges
- Chemical reactivity and ion formation
- Covalent bonds
Using Positive ion in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Combined Science questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge