Chapter 3, Problem 6STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The number of protons and electrons present in most stable ion of oxygen needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction: Every matter is made of chemicals; the importance of chemistry is that it's the study of everything. Chemistry is all about how something interacts to affect the structure, composition, as well as knowing properties of substances.

Answer to Problem 6STP

Correct answer: The correct option is C.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for correct option:

Protons are defined as a positively charged $\left(+ve\right)$ sub-atomic particles/ units found in the nucleus of an atom. Electron are negatively charged subatomic particles found orbiting the nucleus of an atom. Neutrons are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom which are neutral.

An atom has a nucleus with a positive charge due to its protons and has electrons in the space surrounding the nucleus at relatively large distance from it. Isotopes are atoms of same element with different neutrons.

Isotopes of an element will have different masses and number of neutrons and also, it has same number of electrons, protons. Isotopes of element react in exactly the same way because reactions involve neutrons, electrons have no effect on chemical reactions.

Oxygen is atomic number $8$ . So, it would have $8$ protons. This means that the nuclei of all oxygen atoms have $8$ protons. A neutral oxygen atom will also have $8$ electrons.It also has a charge of $2^{-}$ . So, it would have $2$ more electrons than protons giving you $8$ protons and $10$ electrons.

Conclusion

Reasons for incorrect options:

Option A: This option does not have correct number of protons and electrons. So, this is an incorrect option.

Option B: This option does not have correct number of protons and electrons. So, this is an incorrect option.

Option D: This option does not have correct number of protons and electrons. So, this is an incorrect option.