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10. Neutral atoms will always have equal positive charge and negative charge. These two charges must be found in equal quantities in neutral atoms so that charges balance. However, sometimes the proton (1+) count and electron (1-) count may not match. If this is the case, we call this kind of atom an "ION." What charge will the fluorine atom have if it has 10 electrons and 9 protons? The key is understanding that electrons have charge and protons have a charge. If the ion has one more electron compared the number of protons contained in the nucleus, that ion will have a numeric charge. If the ion has two more protons than electrons, because 2 charge. electrons were lost, the ion will have a chance



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Final answer:

A fluorine atom with 10 electrons and 9 protons has a net negative charge of -1, making it a fluoride anion (F-).

Step-by-step explanation:

Charge of a Fluorine Atom with 10 Electrons and 9 Protons

When considering the charge of an ion, it is essential to compare the number of protons and electrons. A neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, resulting in no net charge. Fluorine typically has an atomic number of 9, meaning it should also have 9 electrons to be neutral. However, if a fluorine atom has 10 electrons and 9 protons, it has gained an extra electron. This additional electron gives the fluorine atom a net negative charge, creating a fluoride anion with a charge of -1, represented as F-.

The fluoride anion is significant in various domains, including biology, chemistry, and material science, due to its involvement in numerous chemical reactions and compounds.

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