? Enter an integer below without any letters or symbols.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The Au+ ion, also known as a gold ion with a +1 charge, has 78 electrons.
Here’s why:
- Atomic Number of Gold (Au):
Gold has an atomic number of 79, which means a neutral gold atom has 79 protons and 79 electrons. - Charge on the Ion:
The Au+ ion has a +1 charge, which means it has lost one electron. A positive charge indicates that the ion has fewer electrons than protons. The loss of one electron makes the total number of electrons in the Au+ ion 79 – 1 = 78 electrons.
Summary:
- A neutral gold (Au) atom has 79 electrons.
- When it becomes Au+, it loses one electron due to the +1 charge.
- Therefore, the Au+ ion has 78 electrons.
This ion’s electron configuration will be similar to that of Xenon (Xe), a noble gas, but with one more proton in the nucleus.
