Cobalt has a mass number of 59 and an atomic number of 27. A student wants to create a model of a cobalt atom. Which statement about the model is correct?(1 point)
Responses
The model should show 27 protons and 32 neutrons.
The model should show 27 protons and 32 neutrons.
The model should show 59 protons and 27 neutrons.
The model should show 59 protons and 27 neutrons.
The model should show 27 protons and 27 neutrons.
The model should show 27 protons and 27 neutrons.
The model should show 32 protons and 59 neutrons.
The model should show 27 protons and 32 neutrons.
The correct statement about the model of a cobalt atom is:
The model should show 27 protons and 32 neutrons.
To determine the correct statement about the model of a cobalt atom, we need to understand the properties of cobalt based on its atomic and mass numbers.
The atomic number of cobalt is given as 27, which represents the number of protons in the nucleus of the atom. Protons have a positive charge and determine the element's identity.
The mass number of cobalt is given as 59 and is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Neutrons have no charge and contribute to the atom's mass without affecting its chemical properties.
Therefore, to create an accurate model of a cobalt atom, we need to show 27 protons (atomic number) and 32 neutrons (mass number minus atomic number) in the nucleus.
From the given options, the correct statement is:
"The model should show 27 protons and 32 neutrons."