Question

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qa
The periodic table is arranged by various patterns. Describe the pattern regarding charges of ions formed across a row? In three to five sentences, explain your reasoning and provide specific examples.

Answer 1

The periodic table is arranged in rows (periods) where elements exhibit consistent patterns in their ionic charges. As you move across a row from left to right, elements typically transition from metals to metalloids and then to nonmetals. The metals on the left, such as sodium (Na) and magnesium (Mg), tend to lose electrons to form positively charged ions (cations), with Na forming a +1 ion and Mg forming a +2 ion. As you approach the right side of the periodic table, nonmetals like chlorine (Cl) and oxygen (O) gain electrons to form negatively charged ions (anions), with Cl forming a -1 ion and O forming a -2 ion. This trend demonstrates a pattern where the charges of ions become increasingly negative as you move from metals to nonmetals across a period.