If a neutral atom has a mass of 12 amu and an atomic number of 5, what is the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in the atom?
protons=atomic number
neutrons=atomic mass-atomic number
electrons=atomic number
To determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in the atom, we need to understand the concepts of atomic number and atomic mass.
1. Atomic number (Z): This represents the number of protons in an atom. As given in the question, the atomic number is 5.
2. Atomic mass (A): This represents the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom. In this case, the atomic mass is given as 12 atomic mass units (amu).
Now, we can calculate the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons as follows:
Number of protons (p): This is equal to the atomic number (Z), which is 5 in this case.
Number of neutrons (n): This can be calculated by subtracting the atomic number (Z) from the atomic mass (A). Therefore, the number of neutrons (n) = Atomic mass (A) - Atomic number (Z) = 12 - 5 = 7 neutrons.
Number of electrons (e): In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Therefore, the number of electrons (e) = Number of protons (p) = 5 electrons.
So, the atom in question has 5 protons, 7 neutrons, and 5 electrons.