Decoding Ions: Al³?, S²?, I?, Ag? & Their Electron-Proton Dynamics

Step 1 of 5

Here, we are going to calculate the number of protons and electrons of each ion.

Mass Number: The sum of the number of protons and neutrons in an atom is called its mass number. This is denoted by A.

Atomic number: The number of protons present in the nucleus in an atom is called its atomic number. It is denoted by Z.

We know,

The number of protons and electrons are always the same for a neutral atom. Thus, ions are formed by losing or gaining electrons. A positively charged ion is formed when an atom loses its electron. So the number of protons always remains the same. For example:

\(\mathrm{Li} \rightarrow \mathrm{Li}^{+}+\mathrm{e}\)

Here, no of protons in \(\mathrm{Li}^{+}\) ion will be = 3

But the electrons will be = 3 - 1 = 2 e 

Similarly,

A negatively charged ion is formed when atoms gain electrons.

For example : \(\mathrm{F}+\mathrm{e}^{-} \rightarrow \mathrm{F}\)

Total no of protons of \(\mathrm{F}^{-}\) ion will be same as neutral F,

But the no electrons of \(\mathrm{F}^{-}\) ion will be = 9 + 1= 10