Xenon-60: In order, what is the number of protons, electrons, and neutrons? 60 protons, 60 electrons, 6
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To determine the number of protons, electrons, and neutrons in Xenon-60, we need to understand what the notation means.
Step 1: Understand the notation
“Xenon-60” refers to an isotope of the element xenon. The number 60 is the mass number, which is the total number of protons plus neutrons in the nucleus.
Step 2: Identify protons
The number of protons in an element is equal to its atomic number.
- The atomic number of xenon (Xe) is 54.
- So, xenon has 54 protons.
Step 3: Identify electrons
- In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons.
- So, xenon also has 54 electrons.
Step 4: Calculate neutrons
- The number of neutrons is calculated by subtracting the number of protons from the mass number.
- Neutrons = Mass number – Protons = 60 – 54 = 6 neutrons
Final Answer:
- Protons: 54
- Electrons: 54
- Neutrons: 6
Explanation
Xenon-60 is a specific isotope of the element xenon. Isotopes are forms of the same element that contain the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons. The identity of an element is defined by its atomic number, which tells you how many protons are in its nucleus. For xenon, the atomic number is 54, so all xenon atoms contain 54 protons.
In a neutral atom, the number of negatively charged electrons must balance the number of positively charged protons, which means xenon also has 54 electrons. This balance ensures the atom has no overall electric charge.
The mass number of an isotope represents the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. In Xenon-60, the mass number is 60. Since we already know there are 54 protons, we can subtract that from the mass number to find the number of neutrons. This gives us 60 minus 54, which equals 6 neutrons.
This isotope is unusual because naturally occurring xenon isotopes usually have more neutrons, resulting in mass numbers ranging from about 124 to 136. Therefore, Xenon-60 is not naturally stable and would likely be radioactive if it existed, but the calculation method still applies the same way.
In summary, Xenon-60 has 54 protons, 54 electrons, and 6 neutrons.
