Learn what cations and anions are, how they are formed, and how they differ from each other. See examples of cations and anions, and test your knowledge with a quiz. What is a cation? A cation has more protons than electrons , consequently giving it a net positive charge. For a cation to form, one or more electrons must be lost, typically pulled away by atoms with a stronger affinity for them. CATION definition: 1. in chemistry, an ion (= type of atom) that has a positive electric charge and therefore moves…. Learn more. Cations are ions with a positive charge . When a metal loses its electrons, they form. They lose one or more electrons but none of their protons. As a result, they have a net positive charge. Calcium (Ca 2+), potassium (K +), and hydrogen (H +) are examples of cations.