A cation is an ion with fewer electrons than protons. Therefore, it has a positive charge. The electric charge on a proton is equal in amount to the charge on an electron. Anions are atoms or radicals (groups of atoms), that have gained electrons. Since they now have more electrons than protons, anions have a negative charge. Halogens always form anions, alkali metals and alkaline earth metals always form cations. Most other metals form cations (e.g. iron, silver, nickel), whilst most other nonmetals typically form anions (e.g. oxygen, carbon, sulfur).
Explanation:
An anion and cation cannot be specifically found on the periodic table.
