Question

The species $Ne,N{a}^{+}$ and $F^{-}$ have the same:

• A. number of protons
• B. number of nucleons
• C. number of electrons
• D. mass number
  

Answer 1

The correct option is C number of electrons

Sodium, with atomic number 11, has electronic configuration 2, 8, 1. When it loses one outermost electron, it forms $N{a}^{+}$. This cation has 10 electrons. Fluorine with atomic number 9 has electronic configuration 2, 7. When it accepts one electron, it forms $F^{-}$. This anion has 10 electrons. The atomic number of neon is 10 and it has 10 electrons. Thus, all these species have the same number of electrons.