What is the primary characteristic of cations?

Cations are primarily characterized by their positive charge. When an atom loses one or more electrons, it results in a net positive charge, creating a cation. This property is essential in various chemical reactions and processes, as cations tend to interact with negatively charged ions, known as anions, to form ionic bonds. Understanding this fundamental concept is crucial in fields such as chemistry and biology, where the behavior of ions in solutions can affect reactions, electrical conductivity, and biological functions.

The other options refer to characteristics that do not apply to cations. Negatively charged ions describe anions, while having no charge or being neutral applies to atoms or particles that have not lost or gained electrons.