Elements lose or gain electrons to have the ideal number of outer shell electrons like the noble gases.
Concept #1: Main Group Element Charges
Example #1: From what you know about ion formation and the Periodic Table, which ion would be unlikely to occur?
Metals lose electrons and become cations. Non-metals gain electrons and become anions.
Concept #2: Main Group Elements
Example #2: Predict the charge that a gallium ion would possess.
