What term is used to describe positively charged atoms that lose electrons in chemical bonds?

The term that describes positively charged atoms that lose electrons in chemical bonds is cation. When an atom loses one or more electrons, it has more protons than electrons, which results in a net positive charge. This process of losing electrons is a typical behavior in chemical reactions, particularly in ionic bonding, where metals often lose electrons to achieve a stable electronic configuration.

In contrast, an ion is a general term that refers to any atom or molecule with a net electrical charge, which can either be positive (cation) or negative (anion). An anion specifically refers to negatively charged ions formed when an atom gains electrons. A neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, so it does not possess a charge. Understanding these distinctions is vital in comprehending how atoms interact during chemical bonding.