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Multiple Choice
How many electrons are present in an oxide ion (O^{2-})?
A
8
B
10
C
6
D
12
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the atomic number of oxygen, which tells you the number of protons and, in a neutral atom, the number of electrons. For oxygen, the atomic number is 8.
Understand that the oxide ion (O^{2-}) has gained 2 extra electrons compared to the neutral oxygen atom.
Calculate the total number of electrons in the oxide ion by adding the 2 extra electrons to the 8 electrons of the neutral oxygen atom.
Write the expression for the total electrons: $8 + 2 = 10$ electrons.
Conclude that the oxide ion (O^{2-}) contains 10 electrons.