Charge of atoms by group numbers?

Question

how can you figure out the charge an atom would take by the group numbers

Answer 1

Take a loot at a periodic table.  If the atom falls directly to the left of the noble gasses (farthest right column) than it will gain an electron to become more stable and have a negative charge (how many depends on how far to the left it is).  If it is to the right of the nobles (or on the far left side of the table) than it will get rid of an electron to become more stable and have a positive charge.