Question

What is the symbol for an ion with 63 protons, 60 electrons, and 88 neutrons? If an ion contains 50 protons, 68 neutrons, and 48 electrons, what is its symbol?

Short answer

The symbols for the ions are \(^{151}\textrm{Eu}^{3+}\) and \(^{118}\textrm{Sn}^{2+}\).

Step-by-step solution

Find the atomic number (number of protons)

Since the ion has 63 protons, its atomic number is 63.

Identify the element and its symbol

Using a periodic table, locate the element with the atomic number of 63. It is the element Europium (Eu).

Calculate the mass number (sum of protons and neutrons)

With 63 protons and 88 neutrons, the mass number of the ion is \(63+88 = 151\).

Write the ion symbol

The ion has a charge of \(63-60 = +3\) (3 more protons than electrons). The symbol for this ion is: \(^{151}\textrm{Eu}^{3+}\). Second Ion:

Find the atomic number (number of protons)

Since this ion has 50 protons, its atomic number is 50.

Identify the element and its symbol

Using a periodic table, locate the element with the atomic number of 50. It is the element Tin (Sn).

Calculate the mass number (sum of protons and neutrons)

With 50 protons and 68 neutrons, the mass number of the ion is \(50+68 = 118\).

Write the ion symbol

The ion has a charge of \(50-48 = +2\) (2 more protons than electrons). The symbol for this ion is: \(^{118}\textrm{Sn}^{2+}\).