How is a cation formed?

A cation is formed when an atom loses one or more electrons. When an atom loses electrons, it has more protons than electrons, resulting in a net positive charge. This positive charge is what defines a cation. The process of forming a cation is crucial for understanding many chemical reactions and the behavior of elements in the periodic table, particularly in ionic bonding where cations interact with anions, which are negatively charged ions formed by the gain of electrons. This fundamental concept is integral to the study of chemistry and helps explain the formation of various compounds.