Definition

1. Noun:
   • The net electric charge of an ion: This is the fundamental property of an ion resulting from the loss or gain of one or more electrons. The magnitude of an ionic charge is quantized, meaning it is an integer multiple of the elementary charge constant (e).
   • A specific measure of charge: It is expressed as the product of the elementary charge constant (e) and an integer (e.g., +1, +2, -1, -3).

Usage

• The term "ionic charge" is used primarily in chemistry and physics to describe and predict the behavior of ions in compounds, solutions, and electric fields.
• It is a countable noun. You can refer to , , or .
• It is often specified with a sign (positive for cations, negative for anions) and a magnitude (e.g., +2, -1).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The sodium ion has an ionic charge of +1.
  • Predicting the formula of a compound requires knowing the ionic charges of the constituent ions.
  • The strength of an ionic bond is influenced by the magnitude of the ionic charges involved.

Advanced Usage

• "Charge of an ion": A more general phrase synonymous with "ionic charge."
  • The charge of the sulfate ion is -2.
• "Oxidation state": In many contexts, especially in naming compounds, the ionic charge is equivalent to the oxidation state of the monatomic ion.
  • The oxidation state (ionic charge) of aluminum in its compounds is typically +3.

Variants and Related Words

• Ion (n): An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
  • Sodium and chloride are ions that form table salt.
• Cation (n): A positively charged ion.
  • A magnesium cation has a charge of +2.
• Anion (n): A negatively charged ion.
  • The fluoride anion has a charge of -1.
• Electrovalence (n): The valence characterized by the transfer of electrons, resulting in ionic charge.
  • Electrovalence is directly related to the ionic charge.

Synonyms

• Charge number: Often used in the context of the integer (without the 'e' constant) representing the ionic charge.
• Oxidation number: For monatomic ions, this is typically identical to the ionic charge.

Related Phrases

• Balance of charge: The principle that in a neutral ionic compound, the total positive charge must equal the total negative charge.
  • To write the correct formula for calcium fluoride, you must balance the ionic charges.
• Charge density: A related concept that considers the ionic charge relative to the ion's size.
  • A small ion with a high ionic charge has a high charge density.

Noun

1. the charge on an ion is equal to a constant charge e multiplied by an integer from 1 to 15