The symbol p represents the element phosphorus. this element’s atomic number is 15. how many protons and electrons are in a p–3 ion? 15 protons and 3 electrons 12 protons and 15 electrons 15 protons and 18 electrons 18 protons and 15 electrons

15 protons and 18 electrons.

Explanation:

Atomic number of an element is defined as the number electrons or number of protons present in an atom of that particular element.

So, in phosphorus atom there are 15 electrons and 15 protons.

Number of protons and electrons are in a ion:

In a negative ion , total number of electrons are always greater than the total number of protons. In ion '3-' charge means that ion is carrying extra three electrons than the electrons carried by the parent phosphorus atom.

So, the total number of electrons in ion =

=15 + 3 = 18 electrons.

Total number of protons will remain same in ion as that of parent phosphorus atom = 15.

the answer would be b i believe