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QuestionChemistry

How many protons, neutrons, and electrons are in a helium atom?
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this problem step by step, following the specified LaTeX formatting guidelines:

Step 2:
: Understand the Atomic Structure of Helium

Helium is an element with an atomic number of 2, which means its nuclear composition can be determined from its position on the periodic table.

Step 3:
: Determine the Number of Protons

- For helium, the number of protons = $$2
- The number of protons is equal to the atomic number

Step 4:
: Determine the Number of Electrons

- For helium, the number of electrons = $$2
- In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons

Step 5:
: Determine the Number of Neutrons

- $$4 - 2 = 2$$ neutrons
- The most common isotope of helium is helium- 4 - Helium- 4 has a mass number of 4 - Number of neutrons = Mass number - Number of protons

Final Answer

- Protons: 2 - Neutrons: 2 - Electrons: 2