what is the correct number of protons, neutrons and electrons in a neutral Cadmium-112 atom?
To determine the correct number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in a neutral Cadmium-112 atom, we need to understand the atomic structure of Cadmium.
Cadmium is an element that is represented by the symbol Cd in the periodic table. The atomic number of an element corresponds to the number of protons present in its nucleus. In this case, the atomic number of Cadmium is 48.
The mass number of an atom is the sum of its protons and neutrons. For a Cadmium-112 atom, the mass number is 112.
Since the atom is neutral, it means that the number of electrons should be equal to the number of protons. Hence, a neutral Cadmium-112 atom will have:
- 48 protons (as determined by the atomic number)
- 48 electrons (as it is neutral)
- To find the number of neutrons, subtract the atomic number (protons) from the mass number. In this case, 112 - 48 = 64 neutrons.
So, a neutral Cadmium-112 atom will have 48 protons, 64 neutrons, and 48 electrons.