Question

8. Develop a relationship in the form of a single sentence or equation) that can predict the charge based on the number

and types of particle.

Answer 1

Charge of an ionic element = Number of protons (p) - Number of electrons (e)

Step-by-step explanation:

Atoms of elements are made up of three subatomic particles viz: neutron, proton and electron. The proton is the subatomic particle that carries the positive charge (+) while the electron is the subatomic particle that carries the negative charge (-).

The atom of any element is NEUTRAL when the number of protons in its nucleus is equal to the number of electrons surrounding its nucleus. However, an ion (charged atom) arises when there is a difference in the number of protons and electrons in an atom.

The equation to determine the charge an ion will carry is: NUMBER OF PROTONS (p) - NUMBER OF ELECTRONS (e).

This equation shows that an ion will be:

- positively charged if the number of protons is > number of electrons.

- negatively charged if the number of protons is < number of electrons.