A metallic ion Z2+ with an inert gas structure contains 18 electrons. How proton are contained in this ion?

To determine the number of protons (atomic number) in the metallic ion Z2+, we have to understand the meaning of an inert gas structure. An inert gas structure is a stable electron configuration that mimics that of a noble gas.

The noble gas with 18 electrons is argon (Ar). Therefore, the metallic ion Z2+ must have gained two electrons to achieve an inert gas structure, similar to that of argon.

Neutral argon has 18 electrons; therefore, the metallic ion Z2+ has 18 - 2 = 16 electrons.

Since the metallic ion Z2+ has a 2+ charge, it means that it lost two electrons from its neutral state. Therefore, the neutral metallic atom must have had 18 + 2 = 20 electrons.

The proton number (atomic number) of an element is equal to the number of electrons. Therefore, the metallic ion contains 16 protons.

In summary, the metallic ion Z2+ has an atomic number of 16.

To determine the number of protons in the metallic ion Z2+, we need to look at its electronic configuration.

Since the ion has an inert gas structure, it means it has a full outer electron shell, similar to a noble gas. In this case, the 18 electrons correspond to the configuration of the noble gas argon (1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6).

To find the number of protons, we need to identify which element has the electron configuration of argon. Looking at the periodic table, we find that argon has an atomic number of 18.

Therefore, the metallic ion Z2+ contains 18 protons.

To determine the number of protons in an ion, you need to look at the atomic number of the element for which the ion is formed.

Since the metallic ion Z2+ has an inert gas structure, it means that it has the same electron configuration as the nearest noble gas, which is argon (Ar). The atomic number of argon is 18, and since it is a neutral atom, it also has 18 protons.

Since Z2+ contains 18 electrons, it means that it has 2 fewer electrons compared to argon, which means it has lost 2 electrons.

So, the number of protons in Z2+ is the same as the number in argon, which is 18.