A positive ion is BEST described as an atom that?

A positive ion is best described as an atom that has lost an electron and has more protons than electrons. This definition highlights the fundamental concept of ion formation in chemistry.

Atoms are typically neutral, meaning they have an equal number of protons (which are positively charged) and electrons (which are negatively charged). When an atom loses an electron, the balance shifts – there are now more protons than electrons, resulting in a net positive charge. This imbalance is why the species is referred to as a positive ion or cation.

In atomic structures, protons reside in the nucleus and cannot be easily lost under normal conditions; hence, the formation of a positive ion primarily involves the removal of electrons. This process is significant in various chemical reactions and is fundamental to understanding the behavior of elements in different bonding scenarios.