Specify the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in the neutral atom iron-56.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The neutral atom of iron-56 (denoted as ( \text{Fe-56} )) has the following characteristics:
- Protons: 26
- Neutrons: 30
- Electrons: 26
Explanation:
- Protons: The number of protons in an atom is equal to its atomic number. Iron (Fe) has an atomic number of 26, meaning it has 26 protons in its nucleus. The atomic number determines the element and its identity, so any atom with 26 protons is an iron atom.
- Neutrons: The number of neutrons is found by subtracting the atomic number from the atomic mass number (mass number = protons + neutrons). In the case of iron-56, the mass number is 56. Therefore, the number of neutrons is:
[
\text{Neutrons} = \text{Mass Number} – \text{Protons} = 56 – 26 = 30
]
So, iron-56 has 30 neutrons. - Electrons: In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Since iron-56 is neutral, it has 26 electrons.
Thus, the neutral iron-56 atom contains 26 protons, 30 neutrons, and 26 electrons.
Summary:
- Protons: 26
- Neutrons: 30
- Electrons: 26
Now, I’ll generate a visual representation of an iron-56 atom with these subatomic particles.
Here is the diagram of a neutral iron-56 atom, showing the protons, neutrons, and electrons. The protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus, and the electrons orbit in the outer shells. Let me know if you’d like any further details or explanations!
