I’m frankly clueless what it means and google, my savior, has been no help. To give a bit more context I’m making a write up on the element Cadmium and I’m supposed to say what it’s ionic states are.
Thanks
In: Chemistry
Google’s probably not helping because I don’t think “ionic state” is the right word. I think whoever is asking this of you actually means “oxidization state”. This means how many electrons an atom gives away or steals in an (idealized) ionic chemical bond. Ionic bond being between metal and nonmetal where electrons are transferred, rather than shared.
Rust for example is usually iron III oxide. This means Fe2O3. III, or three, is the oxidization state of iron. Each iron atom is giving away 3 electrons. Oxygen is -2, because each oxygen is gaining 2 electrons that it took from iron. Two irons giving up three electrons, and three oxygen taking two electrons obviously adds up. There’s six electrons being transferred. Fe3O2 clearly would not add up.
Metals usually have positive states as they give away electrons. Electrons are negatively charged, hence why the state is positive. Nonmetal usually negative state, as they gain electrons. Though of course there are exceptions, and elements can have multiple states, some rare, and can steal or give depending on the situation.
Cadmium is +2 usually. It gives away two electrons.
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