How many protons, neutrons, and electrons are in one atom of 60-copper?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
For one atom of Copper-60 (⁶⁰Cu):
- Protons: 29
- Neutrons: 31
- Electrons: 29
Explanation
Copper-60, written as ⁶⁰Cu, is an isotope of the element copper. The number 60 refers to the mass number of the atom, which is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
Every copper atom contains 29 protons. This is because the atomic number of copper is 29, and the atomic number defines the number of protons in the nucleus. The atomic number is what makes an element unique. If the number of protons changed, it would no longer be copper.
The mass number of Copper-60 is 60. Since mass number equals the sum of protons and neutrons, we can calculate the number of neutrons as follows:Neutrons=Mass number−Protons=60−29=31\text{Neutrons} = \text{Mass number} – \text{Protons} = 60 – 29 = 31Neutrons=Mass number−Protons=60−29=31
So, Copper-60 has 31 neutrons in its nucleus.
In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons to balance the positive and negative charges. Since there are 29 protons, there must also be 29 electrons to keep the atom electrically neutral.
Isotopes are atoms of the same element that differ in the number of neutrons. Natural copper is usually found as a mix of isotopes like Copper-63 and Copper-65, which are stable. Copper-60, on the other hand, is radioactive and not naturally abundant. It decays over time and is used in some medical and scientific applications.
To summarize, one neutral atom of Copper-60 contains:
- 29 protons (defines it as copper),
- 31 neutrons (mass number minus protons),
- 29 electrons (same as protons for a neutral atom).
