Protons, Electrons, Neutrons In Ion X⁺: Explained!

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Let's break down how to determine the number of protons, electrons, and neutrons in an ion, using the example of element X. This is a fundamental concept in chemistry, and understanding it will help you tackle many other problems. We'll go through each component step by step, so you can confidently answer questions like this. Alright, let's dive in!

Understanding Atomic Structure

First, it's essential to grasp the basics of atomic structure. Atoms are made up of three primary particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons are positively charged particles located in the nucleus (the center) of the atom. The number of protons defines what element the atom is. For example, all atoms with 11 protons are sodium (Na) atoms. Neutrons are neutral particles also located in the nucleus. They contribute to the atom's mass but don't affect its charge. Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons, balancing the charge. The arrangement and behavior of these electrons dictate how an atom interacts with other atoms, forming molecules and compounds. Understanding the roles of these particles is vital to predict and explain chemical reactions and the properties of matter. The atomic number of an element, usually denoted by 'Z', indicates the number of protons in the nucleus. The mass number, denoted by 'A', represents the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. The number of neutrons can be calculated by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number (A - Z). Isotopes are variants of an element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, leading to different mass numbers. For example, carbon-12 and carbon-14 are isotopes of carbon; both have 6 protons, but carbon-12 has 6 neutrons while carbon-14 has 8 neutrons. Ions are formed when atoms gain or lose electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge. Cations are positively charged ions formed by losing electrons, while anions are negatively charged ions formed by gaining electrons. The charge of an ion is determined by the difference between the number of protons and electrons. For instance, if an atom loses one electron, it becomes a +1 ion; if it gains one electron, it becomes a -1 ion.

Analyzing the Given Element 1123X_{11}^{23}X

In the notation 1123X_{11}^{23}X, the subscript (11) represents the atomic number, which is the number of protons. The superscript (23) represents the mass number, which is the total number of protons and neutrons. So, for this element X, we know it has 11 protons and a mass number of 23. From this, we can calculate the number of neutrons: Neutrons = Mass Number - Atomic Number = 23 - 11 = 12 neutrons. Now, let's consider the ion X+X^+. The '+' sign indicates that the atom has lost one electron. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. So, a neutral atom of X would have 11 electrons. However, since it has lost one electron to become X+X^+, the number of electrons is now 11 - 1 = 10 electrons. To summarize: Number of protons = 11, Number of neutrons = 12, Number of electrons in X+X^+ = 10. Thus, the correct answer will match these values. When an atom loses or gains electrons, it forms an ion. If an atom loses electrons, it becomes a positive ion (cation), and if it gains electrons, it becomes a negative ion (anion). The number of protons in an atom remains constant unless the atom undergoes nuclear reactions. The number of neutrons can vary in isotopes of the same element, affecting the atom's mass but not its chemical properties. Chemical properties are primarily determined by the number and arrangement of electrons.

Determining the Number of Protons, Electrons, and Neutrons in X+X^+

Okay, guys, let's break down the specifics. We're dealing with the ion X+X^+, which is derived from the element 1123X_{11}^{23}X. This notation tells us a few key things right off the bat. The subscript 11 is the atomic number. This always equals the number of protons. So, we know that XX has 11 protons. The superscript 23 is the mass number. The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. To find the number of neutrons, we simply subtract the atomic number from the mass number: 23 (mass number) - 11 (atomic number) = 12 neutrons. Now, here's where it gets a little trickier: the number of electrons. A neutral atom has the same number of electrons as protons. However, X+X^+ is an ion, specifically a positive ion (cation) with a +1 charge. This means it has lost one electron. So, a neutral XX would have 11 electrons, but X+X^+ has 11 - 1 = 10 electrons. To recap, X+X^+ has 11 protons, 10 electrons, and 12 neutrons. Therefore, we need to find the answer choice that matches this combination. Remember, protons define the element, neutrons contribute to the mass, and electrons dictate the charge and chemical behavior. The atomic number (number of protons) identifies the element. The arrangement of electrons in the electron shells determines the chemical properties. Ions are formed when atoms gain or lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. For example, elements in group 1 (alkali metals) tend to lose one electron to form +1 ions, and elements in group 17 (halogens) tend to gain one electron to form -1 ions. Understanding these trends helps predict how elements will react and form compounds.

The Correct Answer

Looking at the options provided, we need to find the one that matches our findings: 11 protons, 10 electrons, and 12 neutrons. Option D states: 11, 10, and 12. Therefore, option D is the correct answer. Easy peasy, right? To solidify your understanding, let's recap the key steps. First, identify the atomic number and mass number from the given notation. Second, calculate the number of neutrons by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number. Third, determine the number of electrons by considering the charge of the ion. If the ion is positive, subtract the charge value from the number of protons. If the ion is negative, add the charge value to the number of protons. Always remember that the number of protons defines the element, and the number of electrons determines the charge of the ion. For instance, oxygen (O) has 8 protons. A neutral oxygen atom has 8 electrons. If oxygen gains two electrons to form O2O^{2-}, it will have 10 electrons. Conversely, if sodium (Na) loses one electron to form Na+Na^+, it will have 10 electrons, even though it has 11 protons.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

Let's quickly go over why the other options are incorrect:

  • A. 11, 11, and 12: This would be correct for a neutral atom of X, but we're dealing with the X+X^+ ion, which has lost an electron.
  • B. 12, 10, and 11: This is incorrect because the number of protons must be 11 (the atomic number). The number of neutrons is calculated as 23 - 11 = 12.
  • C. 24, 24, and 12: The number of protons cannot be 24. The atomic number, which represents the number of protons, is fixed at 11 for element X.
  • E. 24, 12, and 10: Again, the number of protons cannot be 24. Remember, the atomic number defines the element, and in this case, it's 11. Also, the number of neutrons is 12 (23 - 11). The number of protons defines the identity of the element. Changing the number of protons changes the element itself. For example, if an atom has 6 protons, it is carbon; if it has 7 protons, it is nitrogen. The number of electrons affects the charge of the ion, while the number of neutrons affects the mass of the isotope. Different isotopes of an element have the same chemical properties but different physical properties, such as mass and stability. For instance, deuterium and tritium are isotopes of hydrogen. Deuterium has one proton and one neutron, while tritium has one proton and two neutrons. Tritium is radioactive, while deuterium is stable.

Hopefully, this explanation clears things up! Keep practicing, and you'll become a pro at these types of problems in no time!