compare the # of empty spaces in the outer shell of the non-metals with the ion charges. whats the relationship?

Question

I don't get this question, can someone please explain. What empty spaces is it referring to ?

Answer 1

I just answered that in my long answer to your last question. The empty spaces are the "holes" that the last shell has that hasn't been filled with electrons yet. Oxygen has six electrons in its outer shell so it has two empty holes in its outer shell. Therefore, its charge is plus 2.

Answer 2

Oh, thank you for explaining that to me:-)

Answer 3

Excuse me but if oxygen GAINS two electrons, its charge will be -2 (if zero initially).