Question

What do the Roman numerals in a cation's name indicate?

Answer 1

The Roman numerals in a cation's name indicate: THE POSITIVE CHARGE ON THE CATION

Cations are metallic atoms that loosely hold it electrons, making it easy to lose electrons.

The Roman numerals in a cation's name not only indicates the charge on the cation but it makes it easier to distinguish cations that share the same metal name. 

Answer 2

Answer: Option (c) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

When an element gain electrons then it acquires a negative charge. For example, $Cl + 1e^{-} \rightarrow Cl^{-}$

Whereas when an element loses electrons then it acquires a positive charge.

For example, $Fe \rightarrow Fe^{2+} + 2e^{-1}$

The atom $Fe^{2+}$ can also be written using roman numerals as Fe(II).

Therefore, we can conclude that roman numerals in a cation's name indicate the positive charge on the cation.