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Potassium negatively charged?

A question states:

Particle X contains 9 protons, 10 neutrons, and 9 electrons. Particle Y contains 9 protons, 10 neutrons, and 10 electrons. What is the relationship between particles X and Y.


I said that they were both potassium due to their atomic mass being 19. The issue is particle Y has one extra electron which suggests that it’s negatively charged. As far as I can tell, K^- doesn’t exist naturally.

Perhaps, this is an error in the question? Or, have I misunderstood?
Original post by KingRich
A question states:

Particle X contains 9 protons, 10 neutrons, and 9 electrons. Particle Y contains 9 protons, 10 neutrons, and 10 electrons. What is the relationship between particles X and Y.


I said that they were both potassium due to their atomic mass being 19. The issue is particle Y has one extra electron which suggests that it’s negatively charged. As far as I can tell, K^- doesn’t exist naturally.

Perhaps, this is an error in the question? Or, have I misunderstood?

Potassium indeed has atomic number 19, BUT this is NOT the mass number.
These particles are fluorine (atomic number 9)
Reply 2
Original post by charco
Potassium indeed has atomic number 19, BUT this is NOT the mass number.
These particles are fluorine (atomic number 9)
Ahh, this is why they say you should take a break from studying ahah. Dumb ass 😅 Thank you and forgive my stupidity haha

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