elements with low ionization energies

[Divya Pimparkar 1E]

Why do elements with low ionization energies form cations instead of anions?

[Samantha Hoegl Roy 2C]

if they have low ionization energy it means that it does not take a lot of energy to take out an electron. Thus, it is easier for it to lose an electron, becoming a cation.

[Faith Fredlund 1H]

Elements with low ionization energies lose electrons more easily, leading them to have a positive net charge; whereas elements with high ionization energy are more likely to take electrons to complete their octet causing their net charge to become negative with the increase in electrons.

[Julia Go 2L]

Note that ionization energies generally increase across a period. An increase in atomic number corresponds to an increase in the number of protons in the nucleus. So, electrons are held tighter by the higher effective nuclear charge since there are more protons in the nucleus.

So, elements with low ionization energy do not have as high nuclear charge.The electrons are not as tightly bound to the nucleus since there is, and therefore, are easier to remove.