QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
The symbol P represents the element phosphorus. This element’s atomic number is 15. How many protons and electrons are in a P^3− ion?
A. 15 protons and 3 electrons
B. 12 protons and 15 electrons
C. 15 protons and 18 electrons
D. 18 protons and 15 electrons
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Answer
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Step 1:Let's solve this step by step:
Step 2:: Identify the atomic number of phosphorus
- The atomic number of phosphorus is 15 - This means a neutral phosphorus atom has 15 protons and 15 electrons
Step 3:: Determine the charge of the ion
- The ion is P³⁻, which means it has a - 3 charge - To achieve a - 3 charge, the atom must gain 3 electrons
Step 4:: Calculate the number of electrons in the P³⁻ ion
- Total electrons in P³⁻: $$15 + 3 = 18$$ electrons
- Neutral phosphorus atom: 15 electrons - Gained electrons: 3 electrons
Step 5:: Confirm the number of protons
- The number of protons does not change in ion formation - Phosphorus always has 15 protons
Step 6:: Verify the answer choices
- We have 15 protons - We have 18 electrons - This matches option C: 15 protons and 18 electrons
Final Answer
C. 15 protons and 18 electrons
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