0, neither positive or negative. They are the noble gases, and as such, very unreactive
Group 1 elements have an oxidation number of +1, group 2 elements have an oxidation number of +2, group 17 elements have an oxidation number of -1, and group 18 elements (noble gases) have zero oxidation number since they are chemically unreactive.
The oxidation numbers for the first 20 elements in the periodic table are typically as follows: Group 1 elements: +1; Group 2 elements: +2; Group 13 elements: +3; Group 14 elements: +4 or -4; Group 15 elements: -3; Group 16 elements: -2; Group 17 elements: -1; Group 18 elements: 0. Keep in mind that oxidation numbers can vary in different compounds and contexts.
The noble gases, or group 18 elements, have oxidation states of zero. However, their chemistries are not as barren as one might expect. Please see the link for the periodic table and individual articles for these elements.
Roman numerals are primarily used to represent the oxidation states of transition metals in groups 3 to 12 of the periodic table. These groups include elements such as iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb), which can exhibit multiple oxidation states. Additionally, some elements in group 14, like tin (Sn) and lead (Pb), also use Roman numerals to indicate their oxidation states. Roman numerals are not used for main group elements (groups 1, 2, and 13-18).
The group number of an element often corresponds to the typical oxidation state it will exhibit. For main group elements (groups 1, 2, 13-18), the oxidation state is typically equal to the group number. However, transition metals (groups 3-12) can exhibit multiple oxidation states due to their partially filled d orbitals.
The opposite of transition metals are main group elements, which include elements from groups 1, 2, and 13-18 on the periodic table. Main group elements typically have predictable properties and are less likely to exhibit variable oxidation states compared to transition metals.
Noble gases, also known as group 18 elements, will never have an oxidation number because they have a full valence shell of electrons, making them very stable and unreactive.
The oxidation numbers of the elements in Group 1 (Alkali metals) are typically +1, in Group 2 (Alkaline earth metals) are typically +2, in Group 17 (Halogens) are typically -1, and in Group 18 (Noble gases) are typically 0 as they rarely form compounds.
Groups 1, 2, and 13 are not considered transition elements as they do not exhibit the typical properties of transition metals such as multiple oxidation states and colored compounds.
There is a total of 17 elements in those groups.
The noble gases are found in Group 18 of the periodic table. These elements are known for their stability and reluctance to form chemical bonds with other elements due to their full outer electron shells.
Group 17 elements are called the halogens. Group 18 elements are called the noble gases.