Lewis structures of the most common ions.

Here is how Lewis structures of ions are found: - In the families of alki metals, alkaline earth metals and the boron group, (Ia,IIa,IIIa) we remove the valence electrons. Then the positive charge equals the number of removed electrons. - In the nitrogen group , oxygen group and the family of halogens (Va,VIa,VIIa) we complete the outer octet (8 electrons). Then the negative charge equals the number of added electrons.

There exist no ions in the carbon group and the noble gas family.

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