Enjoy exploring several examples of ions of both. A positively charged ion is called a cation. When an atom loses electrons, this results in a positive charge. This is to show that the subscript applies to the entire polyatomic ion. In many cases, the elements position on the periodic table will help you determine the kind of ion formed (anion or cation) and the size of the ionic charge. Ions, atoms with unequal amounts of electrons and protons. If more than one of a particular polyatomic ion is needed to balance the charge, the entire formula for the polyatomic ion must be enclosed in parentheses, and the numerical subscript is placed outside the parentheses. We note from Table 3.6 Monatomic Ions of Various Charges that cobalt cations can have two. An ion ( / a.n, - n /) 1 is an atom or molecule with a net electrical charge. In this case, there is a 2+ charge on the atom, so it is a cation. Forming an ionic bond, Li and F become Li + and F ions. The rule for constructing formulas for ionic compounds containing polyatomic ions is the same as for formulas containing monatomic (single-atom) ions: the positive and negative charges must balance. Electron transfer between lithium (Li) and fluorine (F).

Periodic table with charges ions