Question

The ion n3− has _____ protons and _____ electrons.enter your answers as integers separated by a comma.

Answer 1

The ion N³⁻ is called the azide ion. In its neutral state, it occurs as the element Nitrogen. The atomic number of Nitrogen is 7. When it turns into an anion (negatively charged ion), it gains 3 more electrons. That's why its net charge becomes -3. It means that the protons is still 7, but the electrons are now 10. 

Overall charge = +7 + -10 = -3

Answer 2

Explanation:

Atomic number represents the total number of protons present in an atom. On the other hand, atomic mass represents the sum of total number of protons and neutrons present in an atom.

Also, when an atom is neutral then there will be equal number of protons and electrons present in the atom.

Whereas when there is loss of electrons from a neutral atom then it will attain a positive charge and when there is gain of electrons then the atom will attain a negative charge.

For example, atomic number of nitrogen is 7 and in a $N^{3-}$ ion there will be 7 + 3 = 10 electrons and there will be 7 protons.

Hence, we can conclude that the ion $N^{3-}$ has 7 protons and 10 electrons.