How many protons, neutrons and electrons does Chlorine have?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Chlorine has the atomic number 17, which gives us its number of protons and electrons. The number of protons in a neutral atom is always equal to its atomic number, so Chlorine has 17 protons.
The number of electrons in a neutral atom is also 17, as the number of protons and electrons are balanced to make the atom neutral. Therefore, Chlorine has 17 electrons.
To determine the number of neutrons, we need to look at the atomic mass of chlorine. Chlorine has two common isotopes: chlorine-35 (with an atomic mass of approximately 35) and chlorine-37 (with an atomic mass of approximately 37). For simplicity, let’s use the isotope chlorine-35 as an example.
To find the number of neutrons, subtract the atomic number (protons) from the atomic mass:
Neutrons=Atomic Mass−Atomic Number\text{Neutrons} = \text{Atomic Mass} – \text{Atomic Number}Neutrons=Atomic Mass−Atomic Number
For chlorine-35:
Neutrons=35−17=18\text{Neutrons} = 35 – 17 = 18Neutrons=35−17=18
Thus, Chlorine-35 has 18 neutrons.
If you’re considering chlorine-37, the calculation would be:
Neutrons=37−17=20\text{Neutrons} = 37 – 17 = 20Neutrons=37−17=20
So, Chlorine-37 has 20 neutrons.
In summary, Chlorine typically has:
- 17 protons
- 17 electrons
- Either 18 or 20 neutrons, depending on whether it is chlorine-35 or chlorine-37.
This distinction between isotopes arises because the number of neutrons can vary, but the number of protons and electrons in a neutral atom of chlorine is fixed.
