Element charge lookup

What Is the Charge of Erbium?

Erbium commonly forms Er3+ in introductory ionic compounds.

Quick answer: Erbium usually has a common ionic charge of +3, written as Er3+.
ElementErbium
SymbolEr
Atomic number68
Common ionic charge+3
Common ionsEr3+

Why Erbium has this charge

Erbium is an lanthanide. Its chemistry can be specialized, but +3 is the most useful introductory reference range.

This is a classroom reference range, not an exhaustive list of all oxidation states.

Erbium charge examples

ErCl3

Erbium chloride

Er3+ balances chloride ions.

Er2O3

Erbium oxide

Erbium can form oxides where total positive and negative charge balances.

FAQ

Is Erbium charge the same as oxidation state?

Ionic charge is the charge on an actual ion. Oxidation state is a bookkeeping number used inside compounds. They can match, but they are not always the same thing.

How do I use this in formulas?

Combine positive and negative ions so the total charge is zero. You can also use the ionic compound calculator.

Sources and data notes

More element charges