Cation: S Figure 7 3 2: Sodium

Cations Figure 7 3 2: Sodium loses an electron to become a cation . (CK-12 Curriculum Materials License; CK-12 Foundation via CK-12 Foundation) Some elements lose one or more electrons in forming ions. These ions are known as " cations " because they are positively charged and migrate toward the negative electrode (cathode) in an electrical field. Looking at the periodic table below, we know that the group 1 elements are all characterized by having one s electron in the outer orbit; group 2 ... Learn what cations and anions are, how they are formed, and how they differ from each other. See examples of cations and anions, and test your knowledge with a quiz. Learn about the definition, properties, and examples of cations and anions, the two types of ions with opposite charges. Find out how to predict cations and anions based on the periodic table and how to write chemical formulas of ionic compounds. A cation is an ion with a positive charge formed when an atom or group of atoms loses one or more electrons . In contrast, an anion is an ion that has a negative charge because it gains electrons.