Question

State the number of protons and electrons in each of the following ions:

a. P3-, needed for bones and teeth
b. F.
c. used to strengthen tooth enamel
d. Nat, most prevalent positive ion in extracellular fluid

Answer 1

A P3- ion has 15 protons and 18 electrons, F- has 9 protons and 10 electrons, and Na+ has 11 protons and 10 electrons. The ions' charges reflect their gain or loss of electrons compared to the number of protons.

Step-by-step explanation:

The number of protons and electrons in an ion can be determined based on the atom's atomic number and its charge. For each of the ions in question, we assess the atomic number to find the number of protons and adjust the electron count according to the ion's charge.

1. P3-: Phosphorus has an atomic number of 15, which means it has 15 protons. As a P3- ion, it has gained three electrons, giving it a total of 18 electrons.
2. F-: Fluorine has an atomic number of 9, indicating 9 protons. In its fluoride ion form, as F-, it has gained one electron, resulting in a total of 10 electrons.
3. Na+: Sodium has an atomic number of 11, so it has 11 protons. As a Na+ ion, it has lost one electron, which means it has 10 electrons.

The sodium ion, which is a cation, illustrates an atom that has lost an electron and thus has a positive charge. In contrast, phosphorus and fluorine ions have gained electrons, hence they are anions with negative charges.