how do you find the number of electrons in an ionic compound chart, if you haven't been given the charge? Would someone be able to please tell me? thanks
Do you want the total number of electrons or just the valence electrons. The total number of electrons will be the atomic number which you can get from the periodic table. I suspect you want the valence electrons. Look at the periodic table and locate the element. If the element is in group 1, 2, 13, (or IA, IIA, IIIA depending upon what system your prof is using the ionic charge is +1, +2 or +3 respectively. For groups 15, 16, 17 the ionic charge is -3, -2, -1 respectively (that's group VA, VIA, VIIA). For all other groups, ONE valence will be the group number (for the B groups such as IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB, etc the charge will be +3, +4, +5, +6 etc) or if the other system is in use that will be groups 3,4,5,6,7, with valences of +3, +4, +5, +6, and +7 respectively)BUT (and you must take note here) that is just ONE valence among many that the element may have.
