How do valence electrons relate to cation formation?

The valence electrons are the ones that are lost to form the cations

Explanation:

The cations have to do with the valence electrons since in most cases the valence electrons are those that are outside the full-layer configuration.

The full layer configuration corresponds to the configuration of the noble gases which is the most stable.

Atoms of different elements tend to gain (anions) or lose electrons (cations) to reach this more stable configuration.

Therefore, to reach this configuration, the electrons that are "lost" or "won" are the so-called valence electrons.

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