How to Find the Ionic Charge for Transition Metals

Using a simple, general trend for the ionic charge for elements on the Periodic Table, it is possible to find the ionic charge Transition Metals. The periodic table is organized like a chart for ionic charge with elements in many groups having the same charge.

However, for ions of the transition metals we cannot determine the ionic charge directly. Instead, we must look at the element they are bonded to and work backwards to determine their charge.

Note that when we look at the charge on ions, it is important to understand that ions come in pairs. In an ionic compound like NaCl, the Na is a positive ion (Na+) and has transferred/lost an electron to the Calcium atom which now has an extra electron and is negative (Cl-). We can dissolve NaCl in water and it will split apart into Na+ and Cl-. The electron from the Na is now with the Cl.

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