Ion symbols

[Isaias Gomez D3A]

In some of the practice problems there are symbols showing ionization such as 2+ or a - sign. When calculating molarity, it doesn't seem to affect the result, but what exactly does this mean and in what context will that actually matter in terms of finding answer solutions?

[Sam Wentzel 1F 14B]

The ionization numbers will matter later in chemistry particularly when analyzing redox reactions, etc.

For now, it's good to think of them in their most basic context. The ionization numbers mean the charge of the atom/compound/molecule.

For example, Na has a charge of 1+: this means that due to Na's very low electronegativity (tendency to attract electrons) as a metal, it will typically donate one of its electrons to a negatively charged ion. Because of its positive charge, Na 1+ is a called cation.

Cl however, has a charge of 1-: this means that because of Cl's very high electronegativity, it will tend to receive a single electron from a positively charged ion. Because of its negative charge, Cl 1- is called an anion.

When Na+ and Cl- react to form the ionic compound NaCl (table salt), the Na "donates" its electron to the Cl, leaving Cl's nucleus with an over all negative charge, and Na's nucleus with an over all positive charge, but creating an otherwise neutrally charged compound as the charge's cancel out.

Hope this helps :D

[Natalie Do 3F]

You can typically find this number by where it lies on the periodic table and how far away it is from the noble gases. For instance, if something is in column 17, it has 7 valence electros so its sign is -1 since it really badly wants an extra valence electron to make 8 and when it finally gets it it will have one more electron than it has protons.

[Kendall_Dewey_2D]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5S4TRAzXhQ I found this video helpful in exploring this topic!

[Juliana Rosales 1H]

I think that with ions, it means that there is like a different charge from what it originally is. I think it has to do either with the amount of electrons or protons.