Question

question 3 (1 point) listen the 2+ in cu²⁺ tells us that this atom ______. a) has two more protons than electrons b) has two more electrons than protons c) has two more neutrons than protons d) has two more electrons than neutrons

Explanation:

In an atom, protons have a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge, and neutrons are neutral. A positive ion (cation) like \( \text{Cu}^{2+} \) is formed when an atom loses electrons. The charge of an ion is determined by the difference between the number of protons (positive charge) and electrons (negative charge). A \( 2+ \) charge means the number of protons is greater than the number of electrons by 2 (since protons are positive, having more protons than electrons gives a positive charge).

• Option A: If there are two more protons than electrons, the net charge is \( +2 \), which matches \( \text{Cu}^{2+} \).
• Option B: Two more electrons than protons would give a \( -2 \) charge (anion), not \( +2 \).
• Option C: Neutrons have no charge, so the number of neutrons does not affect the charge of the ion.
• Option D: Neutrons are neutral, so the relationship between electrons and neutrons does not determine the ionic charge.

Answer:

A) has two more protons than electrons