Answer – Bromine, in its neutral atomic state, has 35 electrons.
Explanation:
An atom that is not in the ionic state has the same number of protons as electrons and is hence electrically neutral. For such an atom, the count of its protons and electrons can be obtained from the atomic number (Z) of the element in the periodic table. This number can be located above the element’s symbol (usually on the top left or top right) and can be used to identify the number of electrons in the neutral atom.
Bromine, which is a halogen, can be found in Group 17 of the periodic table. Its atomic number can further be found to be 35. So, it has 35 protons and hence 35 electrons in its neutral atomic state.
When it needs to form an ion though, a bromine atom acquires one electron to complete the octet in its valence shell. However, its number of protons remains the same. Thus, a bromide (Br⁻) ion will have 36 electrons and 35 protons.
