Answer : The correct option is, (c) (-2) charge
Explanation :
For the neutral atom, the number of protons and electrons are equal. But, they are unequal when the atoms present in the form of ions or the atom has some charges.
When an unequal number of electrons and protons then it leads to the formation of ionic species.
Ion : An ion is formed when an atom looses or gains electron.
When an atom looses electrons, it will form a positive ion known as cation.
When an atom gains electrons, it will form a negative ion known as anion.
The neutral atom oxygen has equal number of protons and electrons i.e 8.
The electronic configuration of oxygen atom is:
As we know that oxygen has tendency to gain 2 electrons and become stable by fully filled electronic configuration.
By gaining of 2 electrons, an oxygen will form a negative ion i.e,
Thus, the net ionic charge of an oxygen ion is, (-2)