A neutral atom of aluminum-27 contains how many protons, neutrons, and electrons?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
A neutral atom of aluminum-27 contains 13 protons, 14 neutrons, and 13 electrons.
Explanation:
To understand the composition of a neutral atom of aluminum-27, we need to first break down what the atomic number and atomic mass represent.
- Atomic Number: The atomic number of an element indicates the number of protons in its nucleus. For aluminum, the atomic number is 13. This means that all aluminum atoms, including aluminum-27, contain 13 protons. The atomic number also determines the element’s identity; hence, an atom with 13 protons is always aluminum.
- Neutrons: The number of neutrons in an atom can be found by subtracting the atomic number from the atomic mass. The atomic mass of aluminum-27 is approximately 27 atomic mass units (amu). The formula to calculate neutrons is:
[
\text{Neutrons} = \text{Atomic Mass} – \text{Atomic Number}
]
Thus, for aluminum-27:
[
\text{Neutrons} = 27 – 13 = 14
]
Therefore, aluminum-27 has 14 neutrons. - Electrons: In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons. Since aluminum has 13 protons, it must also have 13 electrons to maintain electrical neutrality. The positive charge of the protons balances the negative charge of the electrons.
In summary, a neutral atom of aluminum-27 has:
- 13 protons (from the atomic number),
- 14 neutrons (calculated from the atomic mass),
- 13 electrons (equal to the number of protons for neutrality).
This information is fundamental in understanding atomic structure and is essential for further studies in chemistry and physics.