Question

Determine the number of protons, neutrons and electrons

for: 3215P3
a) 15 protons, 32 neutrons, 15 electrons
b) 15 protons, 32 neutrons, 18 electrons
c) 15 protons, 17 neutrons, 15 electrons
d) 15 protons, 17 neutrons, 18 electrons

Answer 1

The isotope 3215P3- has 15 protons, 17 neutrons, and 18 electrons, as the atomic number indicates the quantity of protons and electrons in a neutral atom, and the mass number minus atomic number gives the count of neutrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons for the isotope 3215P3-, we must look at the atomic number and mass number, as well as understanding the implication of the charge on the isotope.

The atomic number (15) tells us there are 15 protons in phosphorus. This number is also equal to the number of electrons in a neutral atom, but since this is a P3- ion, it has acquired an extra 3 electrons, making the total number of electrons 18. The mass number (32) represents the sum of protons and neutrons. By subtracting the number of protons from the mass number (32 - 15), we find there are 17 neutrons.