What happens to metals when they form an ion?

Metals generally form cations, meaning they become positively charge - this positive charge is due to the loss of electrons.

Answer: -

Cation

Explanation: -

Metals have low ionization enthalpy. So they tend to lose it's electrons to fulfill octet.

Upon losing electrons, a metal atom has more protons than neutrons.

The electrical neutrality of the atom is no longer there.

The metal atom after losing electron has a positive charge.

They are referred to as cations.

Lower the group of periodic table an element is found, more is it's tendency to form cations.