Rubidium has an atomic number of 37 and a mass number of 85. How many protons, neutrons, and electrons does an ion of rubidium with a 1+ charge have?

3 answers

Rubidium (Rb), with an atomic number of 37, has 37 protons.

For a neutral atom of rubidium, the number of electrons is also 37 (equal to the number of protons). However, since the ion has a 1+ charge, it has lost one electron. Therefore, the number of electrons in the Rb^+ ion is:

  • Electrons = 37 - 1 = 36

The mass number of 85 indicates the total number of protons and neutrons. To find the number of neutrons, you can subtract the number of protons from the mass number:

  • Neutrons = Mass number - Protons = 85 - 37 = 48

So for the rubidium ion with a 1+ charge, we have:

  • Protons: 37
  • Neutrons: 48
  • Electrons: 36
Are you sure

Yes, I can confirm the calculations:

  1. Protons: The atomic number of rubidium (Rb) is 37, which means it has 37 protons.

  2. Neutrons: The mass number of rubidium given is 85. The number of neutrons can be calculated by subtracting the number of protons from the mass number: \[ \text{Neutrons} = \text{Mass number} - \text{Protons} = 85 - 37 = 48. \]

  3. Electrons: A neutral atom of rubidium has 37 electrons (equal to the number of protons). However, for the rubidium ion with a 1+ charge (Rb⁺), it has lost one electron: \[ \text{Electrons} = 37 - 1 = 36. \]

So, for the rubidium ion (Rb⁺) with a 1+ charge, the counts are:

  • Protons: 37
  • Neutrons: 48
  • Electrons: 36

This information is accurate. If you have any further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!