QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Part 2: Determine the number of protons, electrons, and neutrons present in an atom of potassium (K). Explain how you determined your answer using complete sentences.
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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 (K) is an element with an atomic number and mass number that can be found on the periodic table.
Step 3:: Determine the Atomic Number
The atomic number of potassium is 19. This means: - Number of protons = 19 - Number of electrons in a neutral atom = 19
Step 4:: Find the Mass Number
Potassium's most common isotope is $$^{39}_{19}K
- The mass number is 39
Step 5:: Calculate the Number of Neutrons
39 - 19 = 20$$ neutrons
Number of neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number
Step 6:: Verify the Calculation
- Protons: 19 - Electrons: 19 (in a neutral atom) - Neutrons: 20
Final Answer
In a neutral atom of potassium (K): - Protons: 19 - Electrons: 19 - Neutrons: 20 Explanation: The number of protons is determined by the atomic number (19), which also equals the number of electrons in a neutral atom. The number of neutrons is calculated by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number of the most common isotope (39 - 19 = 20).
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