YbCl2
Ytterbium chloride
Yb2+ balances chloride ions.
What Is the Charge of Ytterbium?
Ytterbium commonly forms Yb2+ Yb3+ in introductory ionic compounds.
Quick answer: Ytterbium usually has a common ionic charge of +2 or +3, written as Yb2+ or Yb3+.
| Element | Ytterbium |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Yb |
| Atomic number | 70 |
| Common ionic charge | +2, +3 |
| Common ions | Yb2+, Yb3+ |
Why Ytterbium has this charge
Ytterbium is an lanthanide. Its chemistry can be specialized, but +2, +3 is the most useful introductory reference range.
This is a classroom reference range, not an exhaustive list of all oxidation states.
Ytterbium charge examples
YbO
Ytterbium oxide
Ytterbium can form oxides where total positive and negative charge balances.
FAQ
Is Ytterbium 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.