Understand that atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons have a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge, and neutrons are neutral.
Recognize that the overall charge of an atom depends on the balance between the number of protons and electrons.
Know that a cation is an ion with a positive charge, which means it has more protons than electrons.
Realize that a cation forms when an atom loses one or more electrons, reducing the number of negatively charged particles.
Therefore, the positive charge of a cation arises because it has lost electrons, making the number of protons greater than the number of electrons.