Question

Which is true about an ion with a -3 (negative 3) charge?

A. It has equal number of protons and electrons
B. It is a neutral atom
C. It contains 3 more electrons than protons
D. It contains 3 more protons than electrons

Answer 1

Option C. An ion with a -3 charge, known as an anion, has three more electrons than protons, resulting in a negative charge because an equal number of protons and electrons would result in a neutral atom.

Step-by-step explanation:

An ion with a -3 charge has an imbalance between its protons and electrons, specifically, it contains 3 more electrons than protons. In a neutral atom, the number of protons and electrons is equal to maintain a neutral charge. However, when an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged and is known as an anion. For instance, a chlorine atom normally has 17 protons and 17 electrons; if it gains three electrons, it becomes an anion with a -3 charge, having 20 electrons and 17 protons.

An ion with a -3 charge means that it has three more electrons than protons. So, the correct answer is C. It contains 3 more electrons than protons.