An atom with an atomic number of 15 is phosphorus (P), which has 15 protons and, in a neutral state, 15 electrons. The atomic mass of 31 indicates that the atom has a combination of neutrons and protons (15 protons + 16 neutrons = 31).
When three electrons are gained, the atom will now have 18 electrons. This means the atom has a net charge of -3 (since it has 15 protons and 18 electrons).
The result of this conversion will be a negatively charged ion, specifically a phosphorus anion (P^3-).
Therefore, the correct response is:
a negatively charged ion.
1 answer