Questions: Give the chemical symbol for each of the following ions.
(a) A selenium atom that has lost four electrons.
(b) A germanium atom that has lost two electrons.
(c) A manganese atom that has lost six electrons.
(d) A phosphorus atom that has lost five electrons.
Transcript text: Give the chemical symbol for each of the following ions.
(a) A selenium atom that has lost four electrons. $\square$
(b) A germanium atom that has lost two electrons. $\square$
(c) A manganese atom that has lost six electrons. $\square$
(d) A phosphorus atom that has lost five electrons. $\square$
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Determine the Chemical Symbol for Each Element
First, identify the chemical symbol for each element mentioned in the question:
Selenium: Se
Germanium: Ge
Manganese: Mn
Phosphorus: P
Step 2: Determine the Charge of Each Ion
When an atom loses electrons, it becomes a positively charged ion (cation). The charge of the ion is equal to the number of electrons lost.
(a) Selenium atom loses four electrons: The charge is \(+4\).
(b) Germanium atom loses two electrons: The charge is \(+2\).
(c) Manganese atom loses six electrons: The charge is \(+6\).
(d) Phosphorus atom loses five electrons: The charge is \(+5\).
Step 3: Write the Chemical Symbol with the Charge
Combine the chemical symbol with the charge to represent each ion: