Chapter 9.1, Problem 3LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The way by which the charges of metal cations, nonmetal anions, and transition metal cations can be determined is to be explained.

Concept Introduction : There are two types of charged species, anion (negatively charged species) and cation (positively charged species). Anion is formed by the gaining of electron/s whereas a cation is formed by losing electron/s.

Answer to Problem 3LC

Charge on a cation can be identified by the number of lost electrons by an atom and charge on an anion 1yfcan be identified by the number of gained electrons by an atom.

Explanation of Solution

For metal cations and transition metal cations:

• The charges on an ion can be identified by the number of lost electrons in an atom.
• For example, barium has 2 valence electrons. It can lose two electrons to form a cation with a +2 charge.

For nonmetal anions:

• The charge on an ion can be identified by the number of gained electrons by an atom.
• For example, selenium has 6 valence electrons. It can gain two electrons to form an anion with a -2 charge.