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If an element forms an ion with a charge of +2 and has 18 electrons, what is its atomic number?

7 views 2 helpful Updated Jul 5, 2026
Solution ✔ Verified
  • A16
  • B18
  • C20
  • D22
Explanation

An ion with a +2 charge means it has lost 2 electrons. If it currently has 18 electrons after losing 2, then its neutral atom originally had 18 + 2 = 20 electrons. Therefore, its atomic number (number of protons) is 20.

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