Question

Basic radicals have a positive charge and are also called ___.

• A. Ions
• B. Monoatomic
• C. Cations
• D. Anions

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Cations

Cations. Cations are ions with a positive charge.

You probably know about bases like NaOH. NaOH is a very strong base. It is made of 2 ions $N{a}^{+}$ and $O{H}^{-}$. When NaOH loses $O{H}^{-}$ through some process, it is left with $N{a}^{+}$. This is what we call a basic radical. Because we got it from a base like NaOH.

Notice the positive charge? $N{a}^{+}$ has a positive charge. So it is also a cation.