Question

How can you find the ionic charges of elements by looking at the periodic table?

Answer 1

Hint: Ionic charge is the oxidation state of the species. Anion carries a negative charge while cation carries a positive charge. In the modern periodic table, elements are arranged with increasing order of their atomic numbers. The atomic number of a neutral atom indicates the number of electrons present in it. In the case of ions, the numbers of electrons present depend on the charge carried by ions.

Complete step by step answer:
- In the periodic table s-block, p-block, d-block, and f-block are the four blocks in which all known elements are placed. The position of an element in the periodic table is important in determining the ionic charge on it.
- In the periodic table, we can see that elements from the left side are electropositive. These act as metals. Thus, elements from the left of the periodic table carry a positive charge. The metals can donate one or more electrons from it and hence, carries a positive charge on it.
- In the periodic table, we can see that elements from the right side are electronegative. These act as non-metals. Thus, elements from the right of the periodic table carry a negative charge. The non-metals can accept one or more electrons and hence carry a negative charge on them.

Note: There are four blocks in the periodic table which are s-block, p-block, d-block, and f-block elements.
- In the case of the neutral atoms the numbers of electrons and protons are equal hence, it does not carry any charge.
- If a neutral atom either loses or gains electrons then it possesses charge.
- When a neutral atom or element accepts an electron then it possesses a negative charge on it. If a neutral atom or element loses an electron then it carries a positive charge.