Cations

This is an atom which acquires stability by losing its outermost electrons. These atoms in the first twenty elements have an outermost electron of 1, 2 or 3. Cations are formed when the electrons are lost.

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NB: Potassium has lost its outermost electron in order to make it stable. Potassium (K) has been represented as Potassium ion (K+) the charge on the K shows it has lost its outermost selection.