Question

complete the information for an atom of cobalt - 60. the atom has an atomic number of - select - . it has - select - protons. the mass number of the atom is - select - . each atom of cobalt - 60 has - select - electrons and - select - neutrons.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall atomic number concept

The atomic number of an element is unique and for cobalt (Co), it is 27. So, atomic number = 27 and number of protons = atomic number = 27.

Step2: Identify mass number

The notation cobalt - 60 means the mass number of this cobalt isotope is 60.

Step3: Determine number of electrons

In a neutral atom, number of electrons = number of protons. Since number of protons is 27, number of electrons is 27.

Step4: Calculate number of neutrons

Number of neutrons = mass number - number of protons. So, number of neutrons = 60 - 27=33.

Answer:

The atom has an atomic number of 27. It has 27 protons. The mass number of the atom is 60. Each atom of cobalt - 60 has 27 electrons and 33 neutrons.