a- If an Lithium (atomic number 3) atom has a -2 charge, how many electrons does it have? b- Why do you do it this way? c- Is this an anion or a cation? d- Why? (4 points)

5

Explanation:

A lithium atom with an atomic number of 3 and a charge of -2 will have a total number of electrons.

The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom. For a neutral atom that has not gained or lost electrons, the atomic number is the same as the number of electrons.

   neutral atom: atomic number of electrons

For neutral atom of lithium, we will have 3 electrons

Now, lithium with a charge of -2 has gained two more electrons to the original 3 this now makes it 5.

ii.

It is an anion because it is negatively charged.

Negatively charged particles are called anion.