How many protons, electrons, and neutrons are in 34S2-? Number of protons __ Number of electrons _ Number of neutrons _
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
- Number of protons: 16
- Number of electrons: 18
- Number of neutrons: 18
Explanation
To determine the number of protons, electrons, and neutrons in the ion 34S2−^{34}\text{S}^{2-}34S2−, we must analyze what each part of the notation means:
- Element Symbol (S):
The symbol “S” stands for sulfur. Sulfur always has 16 protons, because the number of protons is determined by the element’s atomic number on the periodic table, and sulfur’s atomic number is 16. - Mass Number (34):
The superscript “34” refers to the mass number, which is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. That is: Mass Number=Protons+Neutrons\text{Mass Number} = \text{Protons} + \text{Neutrons}Mass Number=Protons+Neutrons Since sulfur has 16 protons: Neutrons=34−16=18\text{Neutrons} = 34 – 16 = 18Neutrons=34−16=18 - Charge (2-):
The charge indicates that this is a sulfide ion, specifically with a 2- charge, meaning the atom has gained two electrons. A neutral sulfur atom has 16 electrons (equal to its 16 protons). Adding two more gives: Electrons=16+2=18\text{Electrons} = 16 + 2 = 18Electrons=16+2=18
Summary:
| Particle | Count |
|---|---|
| Protons | 16 |
| Electrons | 18 |
| Neutrons | 18 |
The sulfide ion, 34S2−^{34}\text{S}^{2-}34S2−, is an isotope of sulfur (mass number 34) that has gained two electrons, making it negatively charged. Understanding this structure is crucial in chemistry for analyzing isotopes and ions, especially in reactions and bonding where charge and mass matter.
