The ion Fe²⁺, also known as iron(II), has a specific number of protons and electrons that determine its identity and charge.
Iron (Fe) has an atomic number of 26, which means it has 26 protons in its nucleus. The number of protons is always equal to the atomic number of an element and determines the element’s identity.
In the case of the Fe²⁺ ion, it has lost two electrons compared to its neutral state. A neutral iron atom has 26 electrons, balancing the 26 protons. However, when it becomes Fe²⁺, it loses two electrons, resulting in:
- Protons: 26
- Electrons: 24
Therefore, Fe²⁺ has 26 protons and 24 electrons. The positive charge of the ion indicates that it has lost electrons, leading to an overall positive charge.