electropositive

9.8

Likely to lose electrons and become positively charged

adjective
/ɪˌlɛktrəˈpoʊzɪtɪv/

Specialized

: electropositivo

As an alternative to electrowinning, the wanted metal can be isolated by using a molten alloy of an electropositive metal and a less reactive metal.

Examples

In the periodic table, the alkali metals are known for their electropositive nature, easily losing electrons to create cations.
If you see in the back and lithium is the most electropositive element, that means lithium light to lose electrons the most.
Lithium is one of the most electropositive elements, readily forming positive ions when it reacts with other substances.
Sodium is electropositive, so it donates electrons in chemical reactions, resulting in the formation of sodium ions.

Synonyms

positive

vselectropositive

Specialized

27 5.9

Having an electric charge like a proton

describes tendency to lose electrons and form ions with fewer electrons than protons

positively charged

vselectropositive

Specialized

2 5.1

Having more positive than negative electric particles

tends to lose electrons and form ions with fewer electrons than protons

Antonyms

electronegative

Specialized

8.1

Pulls electrons toward an atom or molecule

How Electropositive

electropositive

Specialized

9.8

neutral

Specialized

12 5.6

electronegative

Specialized

8.1

Surface Forms

electropositive positive

Morphology

electropositive = positive (semi-transparent) = electro + positive

The word is formed transparently from electro- + positive, but the scientific sense is specialized rather than part of everyday vocabulary.

Etymology

Electropositive comes from electro- (as in electric and electron, linked to 'electricity' and tiny 'negative' parts) and positive ('plus' or 'having a positive charge'), so it helps you remember that an electropositive atom tends to lose electrons and become positively charged.