Final answer:
Iodine (I) is the non-metal added to salt as iodide ions to prevent goiters. Iodine has 53 protons, 74 neutrons, and 54 electrons in its ions. Iodized salt has significantly reduced the occurrence of goiters related to iodine deficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The non-metal that forms a compound added to salt to prevent goiters is iodine (I). This element is part of Group 17, known as the Halogens, which also includes fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), and astatine (At). These elements are called 'salt forming' because they react with metals to form compounds like sodium chloride and calcium chloride. Specifically, iodine is added to table salt to create iodized salt, which prevents the thyroid condition known as a goiter.
The iodine added to salt is in the form of iodide ions (I-), which have a mass number of 127. Iodine has a proton count of 53 because its atomic number is 53. Neutrons can be calculated by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number, giving us 74 (127-53=74). An iodide ion has one more electron than protons, so it has 54 electrons (53+1=54).
The health concern of goiters has been greatly reduced in places where iodized salt consumption is high. The addition of iodine to salt is an important dietary supplement that has helped to eliminate concerns related to iodine deficiency, which can cause thyroid gland enlargement, or goiter.