Determining the Number of Protons

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 104 views

Introduction

In chemistry, understanding the structure of ions is crucial for grasping various concepts, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, and reactivity. Ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net positive or negative charge. In this article, we will delve into the structure of the ion ${}_3^7 Li^{+}$ and determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons present in it.

Atomic Structure

To begin with, let's recall the basic components of an atom:

Protons: Positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom.
Neutrons: Particles with no charge, also found in the nucleus.
Electrons: Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus.

The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons present in its atoms. The mass number of an atom is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons. In the case of the ion ${}_3^7 Li^{+}$ , the atomic number is 3, and the mass number is 7.

Determining the Number of Protons

The atomic number of an element is a unique identifier that distinguishes it from other elements. In the case of the ion ${}_3^7 Li^{+}$ , the atomic number is 3, which means that it has 3 protons.

Determining the Number of Neutrons

The mass number of an atom is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons. In the case of the ion ${}_3^7 Li^{+}$ , the mass number is 7, and the number of protons is 3. To determine the number of neutrons, we subtract the number of protons from the mass number:

7 (mass number) - 3 (number of protons) = 4

Therefore, the ion ${}_3^7 Li^{+}$ has 4 neutrons.

Determining the Number of Electrons

Ions are formed when atoms gain or lose electrons. In the case of the ion ${}_3^7 Li^{+}$ , it has lost an electron to form a positive ion. To determine the number of electrons present in the ion, we subtract 1 from the number of electrons present in a neutral atom of lithium:

3 (number of electrons in a neutral atom of lithium) - 1 (lost electron) = 2

Therefore, the ion ${}_3^7 Li^{+}$ has 2 electrons.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ion ${}_3^7 Li^{+}$ has 3 protons, 4 neutrons, and 2 electrons. This understanding of the structure of ions is essential for grasping various concepts in chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, and reactivity.

Answer

The correct answer is:

Protons: 3
Neutrons: 4
Electrons: 2

$The correct option is **B. $3 p^{+}, 3 n^{\circ}, 2 e^{-}$**<br/> **Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding the Structure of Ions**$

Q: What is the difference between an atom and an ion?

A: An atom is a neutral particle that consists of protons, neutrons, and electrons. An ion, on the other hand, is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net positive or negative charge.

Q: How are ions formed?

A: Ions are formed when atoms gain or lose electrons. When an atom gains an electron, it becomes a negatively charged ion. When an atom loses an electron, it becomes a positively charged ion.

Q: What is the significance of the atomic number in determining the number of protons in an ion?

A: The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons present in its atoms. Therefore, the atomic number is a crucial factor in determining the number of protons in an ion.

Q: How do you determine the number of neutrons in an ion?

A: To determine the number of neutrons in an ion, you need to subtract the number of protons from the mass number of the atom. The mass number is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons.

Q: What is the difference between a neutral atom and an ion?

A: A neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, resulting in no net charge. An ion, on the other hand, has a net positive or negative charge due to the gain or loss of electrons.

Q: Can an ion have the same number of protons as a neutral atom?

A: Yes, an ion can have the same number of protons as a neutral atom. However, the ion will have a different number of electrons, resulting in a net positive or negative charge.

Q: How do you determine the number of electrons in an ion?

A: To determine the number of electrons in an ion, you need to subtract the number of electrons lost or gained from the number of electrons present in a neutral atom of the same element.

Q: What is the significance of understanding the structure of ions in chemistry?

A: Understanding the structure of ions is crucial in chemistry as it helps in grasping various concepts, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, and reactivity.

Q: Can you give an example of an ion with its atomic number, mass number, and number of electrons?

A: Yes, an example of an ion is ${}_3^7 Li^{+}$ . The atomic number of lithium is 3, the mass number is 7, and the number of electrons is 2.

Q: What is the difference between a cation and an anion?

A: A cation is a positively charged ion, while an anion is a negatively charged ion.

Q: Can you give an example of a cation and an anion?

A: Yes, an example of a cation is ${}_1^1 H^{+}$ , and an example of an anion is ${}_17^35 Cl^{-}$ .

Q: How do you determine the charge of an ion?

A: The charge of an ion is determined by the number of electrons gained or lost. A positive charge indicates that the ion has lost electrons, while a negative charge indicates that the ion has gained electrons.

Q: What is the significance of understanding the charge of an ion in chemistry?

A: Understanding the charge of an ion is crucial in chemistry as it helps in predicting the behavior of ions in various chemical reactions and processes.