The Periodic Table

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In the periodic table, each group has its own charge, for example, group 1 has a charge of +1 and group 2 has a charge of +2. With these charges you can work out what the formula looks for each element. For example, magnesium chloride's formula is MgCl2 (All formulas have a charge of 0!). Magnesium is in group 2, so it has a charge of +2, and chlorine is in group 7, so it has a charge of -1. However, 2-1=1, and we need it to equal to 0, so we add another chlorine on, so it will be one magnesium and two chlorines, making it 2-2=0. And that is it! We have made the charge equal to 0. And we have just worked out how to find the formula of Magnesium Chloride. (MgCl2)

What are the charges for each group in the Periodic Table?

Group 1 = +1

Group 2 = +2

Group 3 = +3

Group 4 = 0

Group 5 = -3

Group 6 = -2

Group 7 = -1

Each element shown on the periodic table has a number on the top and the bottom of the box they are presented in. The bottom number is called the 'atomic number' and this is used to work out how each of the atoms are structured.

The Periodic TABLE