Using the periodic table, what are the charges on the ions of these elements: Na, Mg, and Cl?

1 answer

Based on the periodic table, the charges on the ions of the mentioned elements are as follows:

  • Sodium (Na): Sodium is in Group 1 of the periodic table, and it tends to lose one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration. Therefore, the ion formed is \( \text{Na}^+ \), with a charge of +1.

  • Magnesium (Mg): Magnesium is in Group 2 of the periodic table. It typically loses two electrons to attain a stable electron configuration. Consequently, the ion formed is \( \text{Mg}^{2+} \), with a charge of +2.

  • Chlorine (Cl): Chlorine is in Group 17 of the periodic table. It tends to gain one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, resulting in the formation of \( \text{Cl}^- \), with a charge of -1.

To summarize:

  • Na → \( \text{Na}^+ \) (charge +1)
  • Mg → \( \text{Mg}^{2+} \) (charge +2)
  • Cl → \( \text{Cl}^- \) (charge -1)