Cations and anions

• Cations are positively charged species and are formed when a metal atom loses electrons.
• Cations are represented by symbol of element and positive sign as superscript (A⁺).

Sodium Cation:

Potassium Cation:

Magnesium Cation:

Calcium cation:

Anions:

• Anions are negatively charged species and are formed when the atom of an element gains electrons.
• Anions are represented by symbol of element and negative sign as superscript (A^–).

Example: