How many protons, neutrons, and electrons are in zinc-70?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Zinc-70 is an isotope of zinc with a mass number of 70. To determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in zinc-70, we will need to understand the atomic structure of zinc.
- Protons: The number of protons in an element is determined by its atomic number. Zinc has an atomic number of 30, which means it has 30 protons in its nucleus. The atomic number is constant for all isotopes of zinc, so zinc-70 also has 30 protons.
- Neutrons: The number of neutrons in an isotope is calculated by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number. The mass number of zinc-70 is 70, and the atomic number is 30. So, the number of neutrons is: Neutrons=70−30=40\text{Neutrons} = 70 – 30 = 40 Therefore, zinc-70 has 40 neutrons.
- Electrons: In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons. Since zinc-70 has 30 protons, it also has 30 electrons, provided the atom is neutral.
Summary:
- Protons: 30
- Neutrons: 40
- Electrons: 30 (if the atom is neutral)
Explanation:
The number of protons defines the identity of an element, so zinc always has 30 protons. Isotopes of an element differ in the number of neutrons, which accounts for the difference in mass numbers. Zinc-70 specifically has 40 neutrons, as calculated by subtracting its atomic number (30) from its mass number (70). Electrons, in a neutral atom, are equal to the number of protons, so zinc-70 also has 30 electrons. These three components (protons, neutrons, and electrons) make up the atomic structure of zinc-70.