Question

the model below shows a carbide ion. what could be done to change this carbide ion to a neutral carbon atom? remove 2 electrons add 2 electrons remove 4 electrons add 4 electrons

Explanation:

A neutral atom has equal number of protons and electrons. A carbide ion has more electrons than protons. To make it neutral, we need to remove the extra electrons. Counting the electrons and protons (protons are +1, electrons are -1). From the model, assume the carbide ion has 2 extra electrons (since when we remove 2 electrons, the number of +1 (protons) and -1 (electrons) will balance).

Answer:

remove 2 electrons