Is a Cation Positive or Negative?

Atoms are normally neutral because they have an equal number of positive protons and negative electrons. However, metals (like Sodium, Magnesium, or Iron) have a tendency to lose their outermost valence electrons to achieve a stable, full electron shell. When an atom loses negative electrons, the positive protons outnumber the electrons. This net positive charge turns the atom into a Cation.

1. Sodium (Na): A neutral sodium atom loses 1 electron. It becomes a cation with a +1 charge, written as Na⁺.
2. Calcium (Ca): A neutral calcium atom loses 2 electrons. It becomes a cation with a +2 charge, written as Ca²⁺.
3. Aluminum (Al): Loses 3 electrons to become Al³⁺.

Students often get confused between the two. Here are two easy memory tricks:

• Trick 1: Look at the word cation. The letter 't' looks exactly like a plus sign (+), reminding you it is positive.
• Trick 2: The word A-n-ion stands for A Negative Ion. Therefore, the anion is negative, leaving the cation to be positive.