Consider an atom of 58Ni. (b) What is the symbol of the ion obtained by removing two electrons from 58Ni?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the atomic number of Nickel (Ni) from the periodic table, which is 28. This means a neutral nickel atom has 28 protons and, in a neutral state, 28 electrons.
2. Understand that the notation 58Ni refers to a nickel isotope where the atomic mass number (sum of protons and neutrons) is 58.
3. Recognize that removing two electrons from the neutral atom will result in a cation (positively charged ion) because there are now more protons than electrons.
4. Calculate the new electron count. Originally, 58Ni has 28 electrons. After removing two, it has 26 electrons.
5. Write the symbol for the ion. Since the charge of the ion is +2 (28 protons minus 26 electrons), the ion is represented as Ni^{2+}.

Key Concepts

Atomic Structure

An atom consists of protons, neutrons, and electrons. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons, while electrons orbit around the nucleus. In the case of 58Ni, it has 28 protons and 30 neutrons, with 28 electrons in its neutral state. Understanding atomic structure is essential for determining how ions are formed when electrons are added or removed.

Ionic Charge

Ions are charged particles that form when atoms gain or lose electrons. When an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged, known as a cation. In the case of 58Ni, removing two electrons results in a cation with a +2 charge, which is represented as Ni²⁺. This concept is crucial for identifying the symbol of the ion formed.

Chemical Symbol Notation

Chemical symbols are shorthand representations of elements and their ions. The symbol for nickel is 'Ni', and when it forms an ion, the charge is indicated as a superscript. For example, the ion formed from 58Ni after losing two electrons is denoted as Ni²⁺. Understanding this notation is vital for correctly expressing the identity of ions.