To determine the number of electrons in an ion that has a net charge of [tex]\(3+\)[/tex] and 8 protons, let's follow these steps:
1. Understand the definition of net charge: The net charge of an ion is the difference between the number of protons and the number of electrons. Since protons have a positive charge and electrons have a negative charge, the net charge is calculated as:
[tex]\[
\text{Net charge} = \text{Number of protons} - \text{Number of electrons}
\][/tex]
2. Identify the given values: In the problem, we are given:
- Net charge = [tex]\( 3+ \)[/tex]
- Number of protons = 8
3. Set up the equation: Using the definition of net charge, substituting the given values into the equation:
[tex]\[
3 = 8 - \text{Number of electrons}
\][/tex]
4. Solve for the number of electrons: Rearrange the equation to solve for the number of electrons:
[tex]\[
\text{Number of electrons} = 8 - 3
\][/tex]
5. Calculate the result: Perform the calculation:
[tex]\[
\text{Number of electrons} = 5
\][/tex]
Thus, the ion has 5 electrons.
The correct answer is:
B. 5
