You mean the valence electrons of the elements. Just simply call it the valence of an element so you will not be confused. Refer to the Periodic Table or the Periodic Classification of the Elements. If you have already studied the Electronic Configurations of the Atoms of the Elements, the valence is in the outer shell and probably the highest sub-level. For example, Ba has two electrons at the 5f. Valences (Charges as you call it): Zn = +2 Mg = +2 Cu = +1 (Cuprous), +2 (Cupric) Mn = +2 (Manganese) - Please watch your spelling For compounds made up of two elements, The subscript of a positively charged element is the valence of the negatively charge element and vice-versa. Remember this: You just "criss-cross" the valences or exchange them. Exchange the valences, so to speak. For compounds made up of positively charged element and negatively charged radical (for example SO4^-2 = negatively charged all the time) the subscript for the element is the valence of the radical while the subscript of the radical is the valence of the element. (Element^+V + Radical^-V) = (Element subscript -V)(Radical subscript +V ) In these problems the elements have positive valences while the radicals have negative valences. For A. Na = +1 SO4 = -2 Hence: Na-2(SO4)+1 or Na2SO4 For B: Ba = +2 PO4 = -3 Ba3(PO4)2 For C: Ga = +3 SO4 = -2 Ga2(SO4)3 Please study the mechanics above and you will master this technique for the rest of your course in Writing Formulas. TIP: You should memorize these "charges" and the best way is by referring to the periodic table. For example (+1) Group Ia; H, Li, Na (Natrium), K (Kalium), Rb, Cs, Fr Group Ib; Cu (Cuprum), Ag (Agrum), Au (Aurum) For example (+2): Group IIa; Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra Group IIb; Zn, Cd, Hg (Hydrargyrum) For example (+3) Group IIIa; Sc, Y, La, Ac Group IIIb; B, Al, Ga, in, Tl Radicals: NO3 = -1 SO4 = -2 PO4 = -3. Here are bonuses for your further study: Sodium Nitrate = Na(NO3) or NaNO3 Barium Chloride = BaCl2 Barium Sulfate = BaSO4 Aluminum Nitrate = Al(NO3)3 Aluminum Sulfate = Al2(SO4)3 Aluminum Phosphate = Al(PO4) or AlPO4 Sodium Nitrate = Na(NO3) or NaNO3 Hint: When both valences are equal there will be no subscripts. Please email me if you have further questions. Good Luck !!!!
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