SnO is a different compound than SnO2. What is the difference regarding the cation?

Sn has a different charge in each of the compounds.

+2, +4 charges, respectively.  

Explanation:

SnO has subscripts of 1, which means it takes only one of each element to make the compound.

We know that oxygen's charge is -2 from the periodic table.

In order for the compound to be neutrally charged,

Sn + O = 0

Sn - 2 = 0.

So, Sn has a +2 charge.

Likewise with the second compound, we know O has a -2 charge.

Sn + 2*(-2) = 0

Sn - 4 = 0

Sn = +4

+2 and +4 are different charges on the Sn cation.  

solute : a solute is a substance that is dissolved in another substance is known as a solvent. it is mixed with a special mixture know as homogeneous mixture.

solvent: a solvent is a substance that dissolved a solute, which results in a solution is known as solvent.