NaF
sodium fluorine compound
Sodium ions can balance F- in simple ionic examples.
What Is the Charge of Fluorine?
Fluorine commonly forms F- in introductory ionic compounds.
Quick answer: Fluorine usually has a common ionic charge of -1, written as F-.
| Element | Fluorine |
|---|---|
| Symbol | F |
| Atomic number | 9 |
| Common ionic charge | -1 |
| Common ions | F- |
Why Fluorine has this charge
Fluorine is a halogen. In many binary ionic compounds it forms a -1 ion, though positive oxidation states can appear in oxyanions.
Fluorine charge examples
CaF2
calcium fluorine compound
Calcium ions can balance common negative Fluorine ions.
FAQ
Is Fluorine 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.
Where can I see the full chart?
Use the periodic table with charges or the ionic charges chart.