Question

complete the information for an atom of phosphorus - 30. the atom has an atomic number of - select -. it has - select - protons. the mass number of the atom is - select -. each atom of phosphorus - 30 has - select - electrons and - select - neutrons.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall atomic number concept

The atomic number of an element is unique and for phosphorus, it is 15.

Step2: Relate protons to atomic number

In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the atomic number, so 15 protons.

Step3: Identify mass number

Given as phosphorus - 30, so mass number is 30.

Step4: Determine electron number

In a neutral atom, number of electrons = number of protons, so 15 electrons.

Step5: Calculate neutron number

Neutrons = Mass number - Protons, so $30 - 15=15$ neutrons.

Answer:

The atom has an atomic number of 15. It has 15 protons. The mass number of the atom is 30. Each atom of phosphorus - 30 has 15 electrons and 15 neutrons.