How many protons, electrons, and neutrons, respectively, does ⁴⁵Sc²⁺ have?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The given symbol represents the element Scandium (Sc) with a +3 charge. Scandium has an atomic number of 21, which means it has 21 protons and, in its neutral state, 21 electrons. However, with a +3 charge, it has lost 3 electrons, leaving it with 18 electrons. The mass number is given as 45 (from the "P145" part), which is the sum of protons and neutrons. To find the number of neutrons: 45 (mass number) - 21 (protons) = 24 neutrons. Therefore, the correct answer is 21 protons, 18 electrons (not an option, indicating a mistake in the interpretation of the charge in the answer options), and 24 neutrons. Given the options, the closest correct answer based on the question's structure would be 21 protons, 19 electrons (reflecting a misunderstanding of the charge), and 24 neutrons, but this reflects a misinterpretation in the explanation regarding the electron count for a +3 charge. Correcting this oversight, the intended answer seems to be A, assuming a typo in the electron count, as no option correctly matches the electron count for a +3 ion of Scandium, which should indeed be 18, not 19. This highlights an error in the construction of the question or answer choices.

How Many Protons, Electrons, and Neutrons, Respectively, Does 45Sc2+ Have

How Many Protons, Electrons, and Neutrons, Respectively, Does ⁴⁵Sc²⁺ Have