When alkali metals dissolve in water, they produce alkali metal cations (positively charged ions).

For example:

* Sodium (Na) produces sodium ions (Na+)

* Potassium (K) produces potassium ions (K+)

* Lithium (Li) produces lithium ions (Li+)

This is because alkali metals readily lose their single valence electron to form a +1 charge, becoming cations. The reaction with water also produces hydrogen gas (H2) and hydroxide ions (OH-), contributing to the basic (alkaline) nature of the solution.