Question

An atom X that has $12$ protons and $12$ electrons, loses two electrons to form an ion. What will be the charge of the ion? What will be the number of protons and electrons in the ion?

Answer 1

Step1. Charge of the ion

• When the atom loses two electrons then the atom comprises of $10$ electrons.
• Hence the ion will have two-unit positive charge.

Step2. Number of protons

• The ion is $X^{2+}$.
• The number of protons in the ion must be $12$.

Step3. Number of electrons

• In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is $12$.
• After the formation of $X^{2+}$,the number of electrons is $12-2=10$.
• So, the number of electrons in the ion is $10$.

Hence, the charge on the ion is $+2$, the number of protons is $12$, and the number of electrons is $10$.