Question

if neutral copper atom (atomic number 29) becomes an ion that has a charge of 2+, how many electrons does the resulting ion have?

Explanation:

Step1: Determine electrons in neutral atom

In a neutral atom, number of electrons = atomic number. So, a neutral copper atom (atomic number 29) has 29 electrons.

Step2: Consider ion formation

A \(2+\) ion means the atom has lost 2 electrons. So, number of electrons in ion = \(29 - 2\).

Answer:

27