To determine the net charge on the oxygen ion, we need to consider the charges of protons and electrons. Protons have a positive charge of +1, while electrons have a negative charge of -1.
In this case, the oxygen ion has:
- 8 protons contributing a total positive charge of +8
- 10 electrons contributing a total negative charge of -10
Now we can calculate the net charge by combining these two charges:
Net Charge = Total Positive Charge + Total Negative Charge
Substituting the values:
Net Charge = +8 + (-10) = +8 – 10 = -2
The net charge of the oxygen ion is -2. In terms of coulombs, the charge of one electron is approximately -1.6 x 10-19 coulombs. Therefore, the charge of -2 electrons would be:
Charge in Coulombs = -2 x (1.6 x 10-19) = -3.2 x 10-19 coulombs
Thus, the net charge on the oxygen ion is -3.2 x 10-19 coulombs.