Why do elements have different charges?

Why do elements have different charges?

The charge on an atom is related to its valence electrons or oxidation state. An atom of an element is most stable when its outer electron shell is completely filled or half-filled. The most common charges are based on maximum stability for the atom. However, other charges are possible.

Do chemicals have charges?

The atoms in chemical compounds are held together by attractive electrostatic interactions known as chemical bonds. Atoms or groups of atoms that possess a net electrical charge are called ions; they can have either a positive charge (cations) or a negative charge (anions).

How do you find the charge of a chemical?

For a single atom, the charge is the number of protons minus the number of electrons.

What element forms ions with different charges?

A few elements, all metals, can form more than one possible charge. For example, iron (Fe) atoms can form 2+ cations or 3+ cations. Cobalt (Co) is another element that can form more than one possible charged ion (2+ and 3+), while lead (Pb) can form 2+ or 4+ cations.

How do you know if an element has more than one charge?

If the element has more than one possible charge, the value of the charge comes after the element name and before the word ion. Thus, Fe 2+ is the iron two ion, while Fe 3+ is the iron three ion.

How do you know if an element has a charge?

An atom becomes charged when the number of protons does not equal the number of electrons. For example, if an element has six protons but only five electrons, the net charge of the element is +1. Conversely, if an element has six protons but seven electrons, then the net charge of the element is -1.

How do you know if an element has a positive or negative charge?

If the atom has more electrons than protons, it is a negative ion, or ANION. If it has more protons than electrons,it is a positive ion.

Which metals form two ions with different charges?

The correct answer is iron (Fe). It falls in the transition group, and can form two cations, with charges of +2 or +3.

How is it that substances can have the same chemical formulas but make different types of matter?

How is it that substances can have the same chemical formulas but make different types of matter? They can have the same elements, but have a different molecular structure making different products.

Why do elements have no charge?

Every atom has no overall charge (neutral). This is because they contain equal numbers of positive protons and negative electrons. These opposite charges cancel each other out making the atom neutral.

Do elements in the same group form ions with different charges?

Elements in the same group form ions with the same charge. Transition metals (in the central block between groups 2 and 3) can have ions with different charges. The number in the name of the compound shows the charge of the metal ions in that compound. For example, copper (II) sulfate contains Cu2+ ions.

What is the most common charge on an element?

Table of Common Element Charges Number Element Charge 25 manganese 2+, 4+, 7+ 26 iron 2+, 3+ 27 cobalt 2+, 3+ 28 nickel 2+

How do you work out the charge of ions on elements?

The charge of many ions can be worked out using patterns in the periodic table. Elements in the same group form ions with the same charge. Transition metals (in the central block between groups 2 and 3) can have ions with different charges. The number in the name of the compound shows the charge of the metal ions in that compound.

Can transition metals have ions with different charges?

Transition metals (in the central block between groups 2 and 3) can have ions with different charges. The number in the name of the compound shows the charge of the metal ions in that compound. For example, copper (II) sulfate contains Cu2+ ions.