Asked in UHS MDCAT 2017 2017Moderate

Isotonic symbol of the ion of Sulphur-33 is shown below. How many protons and neutrons are present if the number of electrons are 18?

Correct answer: B. p=16, n=17

  • A. p= 18, n= 15
  • B. p=16, n=17
  • C. p=16, n=16
  • D. p=17, n=16

Explanation

Sulphur has atomic number 16, so its nucleus holds 16 protons whatever the ion's charge. Mass number 33 gives neutrons = 33 - 16 = 17. The 18 electrons only tell you the atom has gained two electrons to form the sulphide ion; gaining electrons never changes the proton or neutron count.

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