An atom has a mass number of 32 and 17 neutrons. What is the atomic number of this atom?
Answer:
Atomic number = 15
Element = Phosphorous.
Explanation:
Hello,
In this case, taking into account that the neutrons are obtained through the following equation:
\(Neutrons=Mass\ Number-Protons\\\)
In such a way, the protons match with the element's atomic number and therefore its identity, thus:
\(Protons=Mass\ Number-Neutrons\\\\Protons=32-17=15\)
Therefore, the element is phosphorous.
Best regards.