How many total electrons are present in a Ni^{2+} ion?

• A. 26
• B. 30
• C. 28
• D. 26

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the atomic number of nickel (Ni), which represents the number of protons and, in a neutral atom, also the number of electrons. For Ni, the atomic number is 28.
2. Understand that a Ni^{2+} ion has lost 2 electrons compared to the neutral atom because of the 2+ charge.
3. Calculate the number of electrons in Ni^{2+} by subtracting 2 from the atomic number: \$28 - 2$.
4. Recognize that the resulting number is the total number of electrons present in the Ni^{2+} ion.
5. Confirm that the total electrons in Ni^{2+} is 26, which matches the correct answer choice.