Question

The number of protons in one atom of an element X is 8. What will be the number of electrons in its ion X²⁻?

Options

• 8

• 9

• 10

• 11

Answer 1

10

Explanation:

An atom with 8 protons has an atomic number of 8, meaning its neutral state contains exactly 8 electrons. The 2− charge on the X²⁻ ion indicates that the atom has gained 2 additional, negatively charged electrons to complete its outer shell. Adding these 2 gained electrons to the original 8 results in a total of 10 electrons for the ion.