Q
QuestionChemistry

Lithium's atomic number is 3. How many electrons does a neutral lithium atom have? Explain.
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Answer

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Step 1
: Recall the definition of atomic number

The atomic number of an element is the number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom of that element. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the atomic number.

Step 2
: Find the number of electrons in a neutral lithium atom

Given that the atomic number of lithium is 3, a neutral lithium atom has 3 electrons. This is because the number of electrons in a neutral atom is equal to the atomic number.

Final Answer

A neutral lithium atom has 3 electrons.