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Before you start predicting ionic charges there are a few things you should know (review):
- ions are charged atoms, this is separate from an atom in it's neutral state
- ions can be positive (cations) or negative (anions)
- ions form because atoms picking up or losing electrons in order to get 8 valence electrons (aka the octet rule).
- predictable ions are only found in the representative group elements (you should know that term before proceeding).
Great! Now onto the notes / "How to:"
Predicting Charges:
Notes:
The charges on ions are often referred to as oxidation numbers.
Transition metals are variable charges, usually 2+ or 3+. They always form cations.
...Do I need to memorize these individually? No.
Noble Gases don't form ions. This is because they have a full octet, or in other words they have 8 valance electrons.
Inner Transition Metals, sometimes also called Rare Earth Metals have variable charges, usually 2+ or 3+
...Do I need to memorize these individually? No.
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