Question

what element has 16 electrons and a charge of -2?

Explanation:

Step1: Understand the relationship between electrons and charge

The charge of - 2 means the atom has gained 2 electrons.

Step2: Find the number of protons

The neutral - state number of electrons of an atom is equal to the number of protons. Since the ion has 16 electrons and a charge of - 2 (gained 2 electrons), the number of protons in the neutral atom is \(16 - 2=14\).

Step3: Identify the element

The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons. The element with atomic number 14 is sulfur (S).

Answer:

Sulfur (S)