1. Protons:
* The atomic number of phosphorus (P) is 15. This means every phosphorus atom has 15 protons.
* The number of protons never changes in an ion.
2. Neutrons:
* The mass number of phosphorus-32 is 32.
* The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons.
* Therefore, phosphorus-32 has 32 - 15 = 17 neutrons.
3. Electrons:
* A neutral phosphorus atom has 15 electrons (equal to its number of protons).
* The ³²P³⁻ anion has a charge of -3, meaning it has gained 3 extra electrons.
* Thus, ³²P³⁻ has 15 + 3 = 18 electrons.
Summary:
* Protons: 15
* Neutrons: 17
* Electrons: 18
