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QuestionChemistry

An iron atom has an atomic mass of 56. Its atomic number is 26. How many neutrons does the iron atom have?
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Answer

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Step 1:
: Identify the atomic number and atomic mass of the iron atom.

The atomic number of iron is 26, and its atomic mass is 56 units.

Step 2:
: Recall that the atomic mass is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in an atom.

Atomic mass = Number of protons + Number of neutrons

Step 3:
: Since the atomic number gives the number of protons in an atom, we can determine the number of neutrons by subtracting the atomic number from the atomic mass.

Number of neutrons = Atomic mass - Atomic number

Step 4:
: Substitute the given values into the equation to find the number of neutrons.

Number of neutrons = 56 - 26 = 30

Final Answer

An iron atom has 30 neutrons.