Question

How many total electrons are in the Pb^4+ ion?
A. 82
B.86
C.78

Answer 1

`82`

Answer 2

`\boxed {\boxed {\sf 72 \ electrons}}`

Step-by-step explanation:

Lead (Pb) has 82 protons, or positively charged particles. If this was a neutral atom of lead, then there would also be 82 electrons, or negatively charge particles to balance each other out and create an overall charge of 0.

However, we are given an ion of lead (Pb⁴⁺) which means the electrons and protons are not equal.

This is a 4+ ion. Since it is more positive, there must be fewer electrons than protons. In this case, it is 4 fewer electrons.

• 82 - 4= 78

There must be 78 electrons.