How Many Electrons are in Helium?

Most recent answer: 10/06/2011

Q:
How many electrons are in helium?
- Julianne (age 13)
Rialto
A:
If a helium atom is not ionized, it will contain as many electrons in it as there are protons in the nucleus, namely 2.  This is true for all elements.  An atom can become ionized if it collides with another atom or if some "ionizing" radiation strikes it.  This radiation, usually in the ultra-violet range or even shorter wave length, can knock out one or more electrons. 

LeeH

(published on 10/06/2011)