Determine the correct number of protons and electrons in P ^{3 −} . A) 3 protons and 6 electrons B) 15 protons and 18 electrons C) 15 protons and 12 electrons D) 31 protons and 28 electrons E) 31 protons and 34 electrons

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symbol "P" represents Phosphorus and has 15 protons. The subscript "S1" indicates that there is 1 sulfur atom, which has 16 protons. The subscript "U1" indicates that there is 1 uranium atom, which has 92 protons. The superscript "3-" indicates that there are 3 extra electrons. The symbol "S1" represents sulfur again, with 16 protons. The subscript "P0" indicates that there are 0 phosphorus atoms. 
So, the total number of protons = 15 (from Phosphorus) + 16 (from sulfur) + 92 (from uranium) = 123.
The total number of electrons = 15 (from 3 extra electrons + 6 electrons from Phosphorus) +16 (from sulfur) + 92 (from uranium) = 123. 
Therefore, the correct answer is B - 15 protons and 18 electrons.

Determine the Correct Number of Protons and Electrons in P