In the periodic table, as you move across a row (or period) from left to right, the tendency of elements to form ions changes in a predictable way. Typically, metals on the left side of a period lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, resulting in positively charged ions (cations). For example, sodium (Na), which is in group 1, tends to lose one electron to form a Na⁺ ion. Conversely, nonmetals on the right side of a period gain electrons to fill their outer shell, leading to negatively charged ions (anions). For instance, chlorine (Cl), found in group 17, gains one electron to form a Cl⁻ ion. This shift from cation formation to anion formation illustrates the increasing electronegativity and ionization energy of elements across a period.
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.
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