The ion with 53 protons and 54 electrons is the iodide ion (I⁻).
Understanding Ion Composition
The identity of an element is uniquely determined by the number of protons in its nucleus. This number is known as the atomic number (Z). The charge of an ion is determined by the difference between the number of protons and the number of electrons.
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Determining the Element:
- The given ion has 53 protons.
- According to the periodic table, the element with an atomic number of 53 is Iodine (I).
- As confirmed by external resources, an ion of iodine (I) indeed has 53 protons and 54 electrons.
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Determining the Charge:
- Protons carry a positive charge (+1).
- Electrons carry a negative charge (-1).
- Number of protons = 53
- Number of electrons = 54
- Net charge = (Number of protons) - (Number of electrons)
- Net charge = 53 - 54 = -1
Therefore, the ion has a charge of -1.
Characteristics of the Iodide Ion (I⁻)
An ion with a negative charge, like the iodide ion, is called an anion. Anions are formed when an atom gains one or more electrons. In this case, a neutral iodine atom (which would have 53 protons and 53 electrons) gains one electron to become I⁻.
Here's a summary of the iodide ion's composition:
| Property | Value | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Protons | 53 | Defines the element as Iodine (I). |
| Number of Electrons | 54 | Determines the charge when compared to protons. |
| Net Charge | -1 | (53 protons) - (54 electrons) = -1. |
| Element Symbol | I | Chemical symbol for Iodine. |
| Ion Symbol | I⁻ | Represents the Iodine atom with a -1 charge. |
| Ion Type | Anion | An ion with a net negative charge. |
Importance of Ions
Ions play a crucial role in various chemical and biological processes. For instance:
- Chemical Reactions: Ions participate in the formation of ionic compounds, such as sodium iodide (NaI), which is used in medicine and photography.
- Biological Systems: Electrolytes in the human body, like iodide, are essential for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and other vital processes. Iodine, specifically, is a key component of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism. Learn more about the role of iodine in the body from reputable sources like the National Institutes of Health.
- Electrical Conductivity: Solutions containing dissolved ions can conduct electricity, which is fundamental to batteries and electrochemistry.
Understanding the composition of ions, including the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons, is fundamental to chemistry and helps predict their behavior and interactions.
