Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of cations?

The correct answer identifies that cations are not negatively charged, which is a fundamental characteristic of their nature. Cations are defined as positively charged ions formed when an atom loses one or more electrons. This loss of electrons creates a surplus of protons relative to the number of electrons, resulting in a positive charge.

The other choices describe inherent qualities of cations. They are indeed positively charged due to the loss of electrons, which leads to their formation from different chemical interactions, including reactions with acids. Acids often donate protons (H+ ions), that may combine with other substances to form cations, further affirming their positive nature. Understanding these characteristics helps clarify why option D correctly identifies something that is not true about cations.