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QuestionChemistry

What atom has 26 protons and 24 electrons?
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this problem step by step:

Step 2:
: Identify the number of protons

- The number of protons determines the element's atomic number - In this case, we have 26 protons - Checking the periodic table, 26 protons corresponds to Iron (Fe)

Step 3:
: Analyze the electron configuration

- The problem states there are 24 electrons - A neutral atom would have the same number of protons and electrons - Here, we have 26 protons but only 24 electrons - This indicates the atom is an ion with a positive charge

Step 4:
: Calculate the ion's charge

- $$26 - 24 = +2
- Charge = Number of protons - Number of electrons - This means we have an Fe²⁺ (Iron) ion

Step 5:
: Verify the ion's electron configuration

- The Fe²⁺ ion has lost 2 electrons from its neutral state - These electrons would typically come from the 4s orbital before the 3d orbital

Final Answer

The atom with 26 protons and 24 electrons is a Fe²⁺ (Iron) ion with a + 2 charge.