Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Lewis Symbols
Lewis symbols, also known as Lewis dot diagrams, represent the valence electrons of an atom or ion. Each dot corresponds to a valence electron, and the arrangement of these dots around the chemical symbol indicates how the atom can bond with others. This visual representation helps in understanding the bonding behavior and reactivity of elements.
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Valence Electrons
Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom and are crucial in determining how an atom interacts with others. The number of valence electrons influences an atom's ability to form bonds, either by gaining, losing, or sharing electrons. For example, sodium (Na) has one valence electron, which it readily loses to form a Na+ ion.
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Transition Metals Valence Electrons
Ionic Charge
Ionic charge refers to the electrical charge that an atom or ion carries due to the loss or gain of electrons. A positive charge, like in Na+, indicates that the atom has lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net positive charge. Understanding ionic charges is essential for predicting the behavior of ions in chemical reactions and their interactions with other ions.
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