An element has an atomic number of 16. An ion of this element has a 2-charge. How was the ion formed? A neutral atom lost 2 electrons A neutral atom gained 2 electrons A neutral atom gained 16 electrons A neutral atom lost 16 electrons

Answer 1

The element with an atomic number of 16 is sulfur (S), which means it has 16 protons and, in its neutral state, also 16 electrons.

The ion mentioned has a 2-charge, which indicates that it is an anion (specifically, it is likely the sulfide ion, S²⁻). A 2-negative charge means that the neutral atom has gained 2 electrons.

Therefore, the correct answer is: A neutral atom gained 2 electrons.