Based on the given information, the ion symbol is simply He. This is because the element has an atomic number of 2 (helium) and the number of electrons equals the number of protons, making it a neutral atom. While "ion" typically refers to charged particles, the neutral state can be clarified with additional notations if needed.
To determine the ion symbol, we need to analyze the provided information about its subatomic particles:
2 protons: This tells us the element has an atomic number of 2.
4 electrons: This is equal to the number of protons, indicating the ion is neutral (not charged).
2 neutrons: This specifies the number of neutrons in the nucleus.
Knowing the atomic number and charge state helps us identify the element and its corresponding ion symbol:
1. Element Identification:
An element with an atomic number of 2 is helium (He).
2. Ion Charge and Symbol:
Since the number of electrons equals the number of protons, the ion has no net charge and is neutral.
Therefore, the ion symbol for helium with 2 protons and 4 electrons remains simply He.
3. Additional Considerations:
The term "ion" typically refers to a charged particle, so mentioning a neutral particle as an "ion" might be inaccurate depending on the context.
Depending on the specific situation, the notation "
" might be used to explicitly indicate the neutral helium atom with all its protons and electrons.