🔹 Formation of Cations

How is a cation formed?

An atom loses one or more electrons.

What type of elements usually form cations?

Metals.

Why do metals tend to form cations?

They tend to lose their valence electrons to achieve a stable outer energy level.

What is the process of losing electrons called in your notes?

Oxidation.

What is a half-reaction?

An equation showing the loss or gain of electrons by one substance.

Write the half-reaction for lithium forming a cation.

Li → Li⁺ + e⁻

What happens to lithium when it forms Li⁺?

It loses one electron.

Why does Li become Li⁺ after losing one electron?

It now has one more proton than electrons, giving it a +1 charge.

Which group of metals easily gives away electrons?

Group 1 metals.