Calculate the number of electrons in a P^3- ion if the mass number of phosphorus is 31 and the atomic number of this element is 15.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ion P^3-, when decoded, represents a molecule with 2 phosphorus atoms (P) and 4 sulfur atoms (S), given the atomic number of phosphorus is 15, it normally has 15 electrons. However, the ion notation suggests a loss of 3 electrons (as indicated by the charge "+3" in the traditional understanding of the notation). Therefore, for two phosphorus atoms, it would be 30 electrons initially, minus 3 lost, equals 27 electrons from phosphorus. Sulfur (S), with an atomic number of 16, contributes 16 electrons each for a total of 64 electrons from sulfur. Adding these together, 27 (from phosphorus) + 64 (from sulfur) gives 91 electrons. However, since the options provided do not match this calculation, it appears there might be a misunderstanding in the interpretation of the ion's formula or a mistake in the question's details. Given the atomic numbers and the typical valence behavior of these elements, the calculation should consider the total electrons in both the phosphorus and sulfur atoms before any ionization occurs.

Calculate the Number of Electrons in a P3- Ion If

Calculate the Number of Electrons in a P^3- Ion If