Question

The ion p3− has _____ protons and _____ electrons. enter your answers as integers separated by a comma.'

Answer 1

The symbol $P$ is for phosphorus having atomic number 15. That means it has $15 protons and 15 electrons$ in its neutral state.

The given symbol $P^{3-}$ has a -3 charge that means it has gained 3 electrons so, the number of electrons in the $P^{3-}$ is: $15+3 = 18$. The number of protons will remain same that is the number of protons = 15.

So, the ion $P^{3-}$ has $15 protons and 18 electrons  $ that gives $15-18=-3$ charge on the $P^{3-}$ ion.

So, the answer is $15 , 18$.