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Formation of Ions

We can predict the charge of atoms from the periodic table based on the group number.

Group 1

Group 1

  • Group 1 atoms have 1 electron in the outer shell. They can lose this electron to have a full outer shell.
  • The atom then has 1 less negative electron than the number of positive protons. The ion becomes positive by 1.
Group 2

Group 2

  • Group 2 atoms have 2 electrons in the outer shell. They can lose these two electrons to have a full outer shell.
  • The atom then has 2 less negative electrons than the number of positive protons. The ion becomes positive by 2.
Group 6

Group 6

  • Group 6 atoms have 6 electrons in the outer shell. They can gain 2 electrons to have a full outer shell.
  • The atom then has 2 more negative electrons than the number of positive protons. The ion becomes negative by 2.
Group 7

Group 7

  • Group 7 atoms have 7 electrons in the outer shell. They can gain 1 electron to have a full outer shell.
  • The atom then has 1 more negative electron than the number of positive protons. The ion becomes negative by 1.
Jump to other topics
1

States of Matter

2

Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3

Atomic Structure

4

The Periodic Table

5

Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6

Bonding

7

Electrolysis

8

Groups of the Periodic Table

9

The Atmosphere

10

Reactivity Series

11

Metal Extraction

12

Acids & Alkalis

13

Chemical Tests

14

Physical Chemistry

15

Organic Chemistry

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