example: (Calcium)
Calcium atom (Ca) has 20 protons and 20 electrons, with an electron arrangement of 2,8,8,2. the atom must loose 2 electrons in order to have a full valence shell. the calcium ion will now have 2 more protons that electrons, and therefor have a positive charge of 2+. the ion has only 18 electrons and an electron arrangement of 2,8,8. it has a positive charge and is therefore a cation. calcium is in group 2, group 2 elements are generaly quite unstable as it has such an empty valce shell, however clacium ion is now stable.