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Multiple Choice
A neutral phosphorus atom has 15 electrons. How many electrons are present in a phosphide ion (P^{3-})?
A
18
B
21
C
12
D
15
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the number of electrons in a neutral phosphorus atom. Since phosphorus has an atomic number of 15, it has 15 protons and, in its neutral state, also 15 electrons.
Understand that a phosphide ion, denoted as $P^{3-}$, has gained 3 extra electrons compared to the neutral atom.
Calculate the total number of electrons in the $P^{3-}$ ion by adding the 3 extra electrons to the 15 electrons of the neutral phosphorus atom.
Express this calculation as an equation: $\text{Number of electrons in } P^{3-} = 15 + 3$.
Conclude that the phosphide ion has more electrons than the neutral atom due to the negative charge, which corresponds to the number of electrons gained.