Question

Difficulty: EasyAtomic Structure and Periodic Table

An uncharged atom of chlorine has 1717 electrons and 1818 neutrons in its structure. What is the mass number of this chlorine atom?

Answer: 35

Answer

The mass number of the chlorine atom is 3535.
For an uncharged atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons (1717). The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons (17+18=3517 + 18 = 35).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the number of protons in the atom
1717 protons
In any electrically neutral atom, the number of positively charged protons is equal to the number of negatively charged electrons.
2
Add the number of protons and neutrons together
17+18=3517 + 18 = 35
The mass number (AA) of an atom is defined as the total number of protons plus neutrons located in its nucleus.

Key Concept

The mass number of an atom is the sum of its protons and neutrons. In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons.
Estimated Time:45s
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