How many protons, electrons, and neutrons are present in the following ? Magnesium cation (Mg2+), Chloride anion (Cl-), Carbon -14(14C), and Tritium (3H)?
How many protons, electrons, and neutrons are present in the following ?
Magnesium cation (Mg2+), Chloride anion (Cl-),ÂÂ
Carbon -14(14C), and Tritium (3H)?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Let’s break down the protons, electrons, and neutrons for each of the given species:
1. Magnesium cation (Mg²⁺)
- Protons: Magnesium (Mg) has an atomic number of 12, meaning it has 12 protons.
- Electrons: The magnesium cation (Mg²⁺) has lost two electrons compared to a neutral magnesium atom. So, it has 12 – 2 = 10 electrons.
- Neutrons: The most common isotope of magnesium is Mg-24. To find the number of neutrons, subtract the atomic number from the mass number:
( 24 – 12 = 12 ) neutrons. So, Mg²⁺ has: - 12 protons
- 10 electrons
- 12 neutrons
2. Chloride anion (Cl⁻)
- Protons: Chlorine (Cl) has an atomic number of 17, so it has 17 protons.
- Electrons: The chloride anion (Cl⁻) has gained one electron compared to a neutral chlorine atom. Therefore, it has 17 + 1 = 18 electrons.
- Neutrons: The most common isotope of chlorine is Cl-35. To find the number of neutrons:
( 35 – 17 = 18 ) neutrons. So, Cl⁻ has: - 17 protons
- 18 electrons
- 18 neutrons
3. Carbon-14 (¹⁴C)
- Protons: Carbon has an atomic number of 6, so it has 6 protons.
- Electrons: In a neutral carbon atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons. Therefore, it has 6 electrons.
- Neutrons: The mass number of Carbon-14 is 14, so the number of neutrons is:
( 14 – 6 = 8 ) neutrons. So, 14C has: - 6 protons
- 6 electrons
- 8 neutrons
4. Tritium (³H)
- Protons: Hydrogen (H) has an atomic number of 1, so it has 1 proton.
- Electrons: In a neutral hydrogen atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons. Therefore, it has 1 electron.
- Neutrons: Tritium (³H) is an isotope of hydrogen with a mass number of 3, so the number of neutrons is:
( 3 – 1 = 2 ) neutrons. So, ³H has: - 1 proton
- 1 electron
- 2 neutrons
Summary:
- Magnesium cation (Mg²⁺): 12 protons, 10 electrons, 12 neutrons
- Chloride anion (Cl⁻): 17 protons, 18 electrons, 18 neutrons
- Carbon-14 (¹⁴C): 6 protons, 6 electrons, 8 neutrons
- Tritium (³H): 1 proton, 1 electron, 2 neutrons
In these species, the number of protons defines the element, electrons determine the charge (whether it’s an ion), and neutrons contribute to the isotope’s mass.