For the main group elements (excluding the transition elements), is it necessary memorize to memorize the type of ion each element makes or could you predict the Ion charge using a periodic table?

1 Answer
anor277
Aug 30, 2017

Look at the Group number, and decide whether the atom is a metal or a non-metal.........

Explanation:

The Group number represents the number of valence electrons.

And thus the alkali metals have the ONE valence electron, and the alkaline earths have TWO valence electrons. And typically, they lose these electrons upon reaction to give #M^+# and #M^(2+)# ions.

We go to the right-hand side of the Periodic Table as we face it, and the increased nuclear charge, means that these elements are OXIDIZING, i.e. they accept electrons to form #X^(-)# and #E^(2-)# ions.

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