Question

Please help me

The symbol P represents the element phosphorus. This element’s atomic number is 15. How many protons and electrons are in a P–3 ion?

15 protons and 3 electrons
12 protons and 15 electrons
15 protons and 18 electrons
18 protons and 15 electrons

Answer 1

15 protons and 18 electrons

Answer 2

15 protons and 18 electrons

General Formulas and Concepts:

Chemistry

• Reading a Periodic Table
• Element Number
• Neutral Atoms
• Ions

Step-by-step explanation:

We are given the element P. P is 15 on the Periodic Table, meaning it has 15 protons and 15 electrons (all elements are in neutral form).

P³⁻ ion means the element now has a negative charge of 3. We know protons have a positive charge and electrons have a negative charge. 3- means we will have more electrons than protons.

Therefore, P³⁻ would have 15 protons and 18 electrons:

15 (+) + 18 (-) = 3 (-)