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Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules & Ions
Chapter 2, Problem 105c

How many protons and neutrons are in the nucleus of the following atoms? (c)

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1
Identify the element from the given symbol or atomic number.
Determine the atomic number (Z) of the element, which represents the number of protons.
Find the mass number (A) of the element, which is the sum of protons and neutrons.
Calculate the number of neutrons by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number: Neutrons = A - Z.
Verify your calculations by checking the periodic table or a reliable source for the element's atomic and mass numbers.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Atomic Structure

Atoms consist of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in orbitals. The number of protons defines the element and its atomic number, while neutrons contribute to the atomic mass and stability of the nucleus.
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Atom Structure

Protons and Neutrons

Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus, and their number determines the element's identity. Neutrons are neutral particles that also reside in the nucleus, and they help stabilize the atom by offsetting the repulsive forces between protons.
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Neutron-to-Proton Plot

Isotopes

Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. This difference in neutron count affects the atomic mass and can influence the stability and radioactive properties of the atom.
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