I don't really understand this and my teacher at school is no help. Can anyone explain what I'm supposed to do here?
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Atoms contain charged particles called protons and electrons. Each proton has a charge of +1, and each electron has a charge of –1. A sulfur ion has 16 protons and 18 electrons. Find the net charge.
---- I was given options, if that helps. But I just really need it explained so I can get it.
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A. –34
B. +2
C. 34
D. –2
add the charges of the protons and electrons to find the net charge
protons: +16
electrons: -18
sum: -2
To find the net charge of a sulfur ion, you will need to consider the charges of its protons and electrons.
First, it's helpful to know that the atomic number of sulfur (S) is 16, which means it has 16 protons. Since each proton has a charge of +1, the total positive charge from the protons is +16.
Next, you are given that the sulfur ion has 18 electrons. Each electron has a charge of -1, so the total negative charge from the electrons is -18.
To calculate the net charge, subtract the total negative charge (-18) from the total positive charge (+16):
Net charge = Total positive charge - Total negative charge
Net charge = +16 - (-18)
To simplify the calculation, remember that subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number. So, the above expression simplifies to:
Net charge = +16 + 18
Net charge = 34
Therefore, the net charge of the sulfur ion is +34.
From the given options, the correct answer is C. 34.