when using a periodic table How do you know the charges of elements on the periodic table?

Answer 1

Elements on the periodic table do not have charges.
The charged ion that they form on loss or gain of electrons can be stated:

+1, +2, +3, +4, -3, -2, -1, 0

Since the transition metals in the center can have more than one oxidation number you have to be told which ion you are using. This is done by giving the name and then a parenthesis with a roman numeral that is the charge.

Answer 2

For the transitions metals, you just have to know them, because they vary. The first column, with H at the top, are +1. The next column are +2. The farthest right column is the noble gases, they have 0 charge. The column by that is -1. The next one is -2. and the next one is -3.

If you don't have a chart already with common ion charges, I suggest searching on Google to find one.
Here's a link to one that I found, I'm sure there's more out there too.
http://www.learningcommunity202.org/PHS/indexscience1/indexmaxstadt/Common_Ion_Charge1.pdf

Answer 3

Actually, in their elemental form, they all carry zero charge. That is, until they undergo ionic exchange with other elements (exchange electrons), their elemental state is equal number of protons and electrons which = zero charge.
The column on the far left has one valence electron (outter electron orbital) that is readily lost therefore giving a charge of +1, +2 next column,+3, transitional metals. As you get to the left, the elements get increasingly more valence electrons so they readily accept electrons which gives them negative charges. The next to last column on right has a -1 charge. The last column consist of inert compounds in that their outermost orbitals are full so they don't go through ionic exchange with other compounds.

Answer 4

A simple answer is +, 2+, 3+, 4-, 3-, 2- and - as you go across, say, from Na to Cl. Ar has no charge.
A good answer for the transition metals would be 2+ and other charges as appropriate.