Q
QuestionChemistry

How many protons, neutrons, and electrons are there in a neutral atom of 43 K (potassium- 43)?
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Answer

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Step 1
: Determine the atomic number of potassium

The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in its nucleus. The atomic number of potassium is 19.

Step 2
: Determine the number of neutrons

For a neutral atom, the number of protons (which is equal to the atomic number) is equal to the number of electrons. Since we know there are 19 protons, there must also be 19 electrons. The mass number of potassium- 43 is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons. Therefore, the number of neutrons is the mass number minus the atomic number: Number of neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number = 43 - 19 = 24

Final Answer

A neutral atom of potassium- 43 (43K) contains 19 protons, 19 electrons, and 24 neutrons.