The Structure of the Atom

A nitride ion has 7 protons, 8 neutrons, and 10 electrons. What is the overall charge on this ion?

A. [tex]$-3$[/tex]
B. [tex]$-2$[/tex]
C. [tex]$0$[/tex]
D. [tex]$+3$[/tex]



Answer :

To determine the overall charge of the nitride ion, follow these steps:

1. Identify the Constituents of the Atom:
- Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom.
- Neutrons are neutral particles also located in the nucleus.
- Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus.

2. Given Data:
- The nitride ion has 7 protons.
- It has 8 neutrons.
- It has 10 electrons.

3. Determine the Charges:
- Protons have a charge of [tex]\(+1\)[/tex] each.
- Electrons have a charge of [tex]\(-1\)[/tex] each.
- Neutrons do not contribute to the overall charge since they are neutral.

4. Calculate the Total Positive Charge:
- Since there are 7 protons, the total positive charge is [tex]\(7 \times (+1) = +7\)[/tex].

5. Calculate the Total Negative Charge:
- Since there are 10 electrons, the total negative charge is [tex]\(10 \times (-1) = -10\)[/tex].

6. Compute the Overall Charge:
- The overall charge of the ion is the sum of the charges of protons and electrons.
- Overall charge = Total positive charge + Total negative charge = [tex]\(+7 + (-10) = -3\)[/tex].

Thus, the overall charge on the nitride ion is [tex]\(-3\)[/tex].

Answer: [tex]\( -3 \)[/tex]