how many protons neutrons and electrons does silver have
The correct answer and explanation is:
Silver (Ag) has an atomic number of 47. This means that silver has 47 protons in its nucleus. Since the number of protons is equal to the number of electrons in a neutral atom, silver also has 47 electrons.
To determine the number of neutrons, we need to look at the atomic mass of silver. The atomic mass of silver is approximately 107.87 atomic mass units (amu). To calculate the number of neutrons, subtract the atomic number (47 protons) from the atomic mass (107.87 amu), and round to the nearest whole number. This gives:
107.87 – 47 = 60.87
Rounding this gives approximately 61 neutrons. Thus, silver has 61 neutrons in its most stable isotope, silver-108.
In summary, silver has:
- 47 protons
- 47 electrons
- 61 neutrons (in the most stable isotope)
The atomic number directly determines the number of protons and electrons in a neutral atom, while the atomic mass is used to calculate the number of neutrons. Silver has several isotopes, but silver-108 is the most abundant and stable one. This combination of protons, neutrons, and electrons gives silver its characteristic properties, such as its conductivity, malleability, and lustrous appearance.