A cation has more protons than electrons, consequently giving it a net positive charge. For a cation to form, one or more electrons must be lost, typically pulled away by atoms with a stronger affinity for them.

What are cations and how are they formed?

Cations are the positive ions formed by the loss of one or more electrons. The most commonly formed cations of the representative elements are those that involve the loss of all of the valence electrons. ... Upon losing that electron, the sodium ion now has an octet of electrons from the second principal energy level.

How does a cation form example?

Cations form when an element or group of elements (compounds) lose one or more electrons. ... But electrons are actually negatively charged particles. So, when an element loses an electron, it becomes less negative and more positive. The sodium atom loses one electron to become a +1 cation.