Question

use the information in the square to answer the questions about copper. how many protons are in an atom of copper? how many electrons are in an atom of copper? how many neutrons are in an atom of copper? round your answer to the nearest whole number.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify atomic number

The atomic number of copper (Cu) is 29. The atomic number is equal to the number of protons. So, the number of protons = 29.

Step2: Determine number of electrons

In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Since the number of protons in copper is 29, the number of electrons = 29.

Step3: Calculate number of neutrons

The mass - number of copper is approximately 63.55. The mass - number is the sum of protons and neutrons. Let the number of neutrons be $n$. We know that mass - number $A=p + n$, where $p$ is the number of protons. So, $n=A - p$. Substituting $A = 63.55$ and $p = 29$, we get $n=63.55−29 = 34.55$. Rounding to the nearest whole number, the number of neutrons is 35.

Answer:

How many protons are in an atom of copper? 29
How many electrons are in an atom of copper? 29
How many neutrons are in an atom of copper? 35