Question

What is the net charge of the elements Ni, I and Au on the periodic table?

Answer 1

The net charges of elemental nickel, iodine, and gold are ZERO.

Explanation:

Matter of course is electrically neutral. For every positive charge, there is a corresponding negative charge. To be sure, elements CAN FORM ions, by the loss or gain of electrons. Metals tend to lose electrons to form cations, and non-metals (to the right of the Periodic Table) tend to gain electrons to form anions.

Common ions of the given elements are `Ni^(2+)`, `I^-`, and `Au^+`, and `Au^(3+)`. You can supply the net charge on each.

Why can't an element lose a positive charge (i.e. a nuclear proton) to form a negative ion?