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If an atom has 15 protons, 12 neutrons, and 17 electrons, what is the atom's electrical charge? A. -5 B. -2 C. +3 D. +5

Sagot :

Answer:

B. -2

Explanation:

The total charge on an atom is the sum of all individual charges present in it. Therefore, the total charge on this atom is given by the following formula:

[tex]q = (n_p)(q_p)+(n_e)(q_e)+(n_n)(q_n)[/tex]

where,

q = total charge on atom = ?

[tex]n_p[/tex] = no. of protons in the atom = 15

[tex]n_e[/tex] = no. of electrons in the atom = 17

[tex]n_n[/tex] = no. of neutrons in the atom = 12

[tex]q_p[/tex] = charge on proton = +1

[tex]q_e[/tex] = charge on electron = -1

[tex]q_n[/tex] = charge on neutron = 0

Therefore,

[tex]q = (15)(1)+(17)(-1)+(12)(0)\\q=-2[/tex]

Hence the correct option is:

B. -2