A neutral isotope has a mass number of 65 and 36 neutrons. Identify the element symbol of this isotope and determine the number of protons and electrons.

Question

A neutral isotope has a mass number of 65 and 36 neutrons. Identify the element symbol of this isotope and determine the number of protons and electrons.

element symbol:?

number of protons:?

number of electrons:?

Answer 1

The element is always identified by the atomic number (number of protons). In this case that would be..

Recall the following:

In a neutral atom, number of protons (+) = number of electrons (-)

Number of protons + number of neutrons = atomic mass

In the current problem,

atomic mass (mass number) = 65

neutrons = 36

protons = 65 - 36 = 29

symbol = copper (Cu)

number of electron = 29 (neutral atom so equal to protons)