Multiple Choice
How many electrons are in a neutral silicon (Si) atom?
2
views
9. Electrons in Atoms and the Periodic Table
Electronic Structure: Number of Electrons
Struggling with Introduction to Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which neutral atom is isoelectronic with (i.e., has the same number of electrons)?
A
Neon (Ne)
B
Nitrogen (N)
C
Oxygen (O)
D
Carbon (C)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the term 'isoelectronic' means having the same number of electrons. So, we need to find a neutral atom with the same number of electrons as the given ion \(\mathrm{O}^{2+}\).
Determine the number of electrons in a neutral oxygen atom. Oxygen has an atomic number of 8, which means it has 8 protons and, in its neutral state, 8 electrons.
Since the ion is \(\mathrm{O}^{2+}\), it has lost 2 electrons compared to the neutral oxygen atom. Calculate the number of electrons in \(\mathrm{O}^{2+}\) by subtracting 2 from 8:
\[8 - 2 = 6\]
Now, identify which neutral atom has 6 electrons. The atomic number corresponds to the number of electrons in a neutral atom, so look for the element with atomic number 6, which is Carbon (C). Therefore, Carbon is isoelectronic with \(\mathrm{O}^{2+}\).
0:46mWatch next
Master Electronic Structure: Number of Electrons Concept 1 with a bite sized video explanation from Jules
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Electronic Structure: Number of Electrons practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations