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QuestionChemistry

How many protons, neutrons, and electrons would you expect in a neutral atom of potassium?
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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:
: Identify the Element

Potassium is element number 19 on the periodic table. To determine its subatomic particle composition, we'll use the atomic number and standard atomic structure rules.

Step 3:
: Determine Number of Protons

\text{Number of Protons} = 19
The number of protons is equal to the atomic number.

Step 4:
: Determine Number of Electrons in a Neutral Atom

\text{Number of Electrons} = 19
In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons.

Step 5:
: Determine Number of Neutrons

\text{Number of Neutrons} = 39 - 19 = 20
Number of neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number

Final Answer

- Protons: 19 - Electrons: 19 - Neutrons: 20