How many protons, neutrons and electrons are there in a neutral atom of the isotope of gallium named gallium-697
protons:
neutrons:
electrons
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
In a neutral atom of the isotope gallium-69 (which is often written as Ga-69), the following can be determined:
Protons: 31
Gallium (Ga) is an element on the periodic table with an atomic number of 31. The atomic number indicates the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. Therefore, a gallium atom has 31 protons.
Neutrons: 38
The isotope gallium-69 (Ga-69) has a mass number of 69. The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom. To find the number of neutrons, subtract the number of protons from the mass number:
[
\text{Neutrons} = \text{Mass number} – \text{Protons} = 69 – 31 = 38
]
So, gallium-69 has 38 neutrons.
Electrons: 31
In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons, as the positive charge of the protons is balanced by the negative charge of the electrons. Since gallium has 31 protons, a neutral gallium-69 atom will also have 31 electrons.
Explanation:
- Protons are the positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. The number of protons determines the element, and gallium always has 31 protons regardless of the isotope.
- Neutrons are neutral particles that reside in the nucleus alongside protons. The number of neutrons can vary in atoms of the same element, leading to different isotopes (such as gallium-69 vs. gallium-71).
- Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons, balancing the atom’s overall charge.
So, for a neutral gallium-69 atom, the composition is:
- Protons: 31
- Neutrons: 38
- Electrons: 31