Question

What does the number next to ions signify?

Answer 1

The number next to the simbol of the element ions (as a superscript) means the number of charges of the ion. For example N (+),, where (+) is a superscript means that the charge of the ion is 1+. S(2-), where (2-) is a superscript, means that the charge of the ion is (2-). OH (-), where (-) is a superscript, means that the charge of OH ion is (1-) .