Answered

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What is the atomic number of an anion that has 5 neutrons and 4 electrons?

A. Less than 4 since an anion should have fewer protons than electrons
B. 4 since an anion should have as many protons as electrons
C. More than 4 since an anion should have more protons than electrons
D. 5 since an anion should have as many protons as neutrons

Sagot :

GinnyAnsweridn
To determine the correct atomic number of the anion, let's carefully analyze the given information and the nature of an anion.

1. Definition of an Anion: An anion is a negatively charged ion. This negative charge arises because an anion has more electrons than protons.

2. Given Information:
- Number of electrons = 4
- Number of neutrons = 5

3. To determine the atomic number, we need to find the number of protons in the nucleus of this anion.
- Characteristic of an Anion: Since an anion has more electrons than protons, the anion in question has more electrons (4) than protons.

4. Deduction:
- The atomic number represents the number of protons.
- Therefore, the number of protons in this anion must be one less than the number of electrons to maintain the negative charge characteristic of an anion.

5. Calculation Summary:
- Electrons = 4,
- Anion implies protons < electrons.
- Therefore, protons = 4 - 1 = 3.

6. Conclusion: The atomic number, which indicates the number of protons in the nucleus, is 3.

Thus, the correct answer is:

a) less than 4 since an anion should have less protons than electrons.
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