Question

an atom has a charge of 1+. if the atoms nucleus contains 23 protons, the atom must have

a. 22 electrons.
b. 24 electrons.
c. 25 electrons.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall atomic - charge principle

In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons. A positive - charged ion has lost electrons.

Step2: Determine electron number

The atom has a charge of 1+ and 23 protons. For a 1+ charge, the number of electrons is one less than the number of protons. So the number of electrons is \(23 - 1=22\).

Answer:

A. 22 electrons