A particular atom of Carbon is found to have a 1+ charge, making it an ion. How many electrons will this carbon atom have?
Chemistry · Middle School · Thu Feb 04 2021
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A neutral carbon atom typically has 6 electrons, which corresponds to its atomic number (the number of protons in the nucleus). When a carbon atom has a 1+ charge (which means it is a cation with a positive charge), it indicates that the atom has lost one electron. Therefore, this particular carbon ion with a 1+ charge will have 5 electrons.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how this conclusion is reached:
1. Identify the atomic number of carbon, which is 6.
2. Recognize that the atomic number represents the number of protons as well as the number of electrons in a neutral atom.
3. A 1+ charge on the atom means it has lost one electron.
4. Subtract one electron from the neutral atom's total electron count (6 - 1).
5. Determine the electron count for the ion: 6 protons - 1 electron = 5 electrons.