Question

complete the table to summarize how the subatomic particles for isotopes of iron (fe) are different.
(answers may be used more than once and all may not be used)

	protons	electrons	neutrons
iron-56
iron-57

number options: 26, 28, 30, 31, 54, 56, 57

Explanation:

Step1: Recall properties of isotopes

Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons (and electrons, for neutral atoms) but different number of neutrons. The atomic number of iron (Fe) is 26, so number of protons = number of electrons = 26 for all neutral iron isotopes. The mass number (given as 54, 56, 57) is sum of protons and neutrons. So neutrons = mass number - atomic number (26).

Step2: Calculate neutrons for each isotope

• For Iron - 54: Neutrons = \( 54 - 26 = 28 \)
• For Iron - 56: Neutrons = \( 56 - 26 = 30 \)
• For Iron - 57: Neutrons = \( 57 - 26 = 31 \)

Step3: Fill the table

• Protons and Electrons for all (Iron - 54, Iron - 56, Iron - 57) are 26.
• Neutrons: Iron - 54: 28, Iron - 56: 30, Iron - 57: 31.

Answer:

	Protons	Electrons	Neutrons
Iron - 56	26	26	30
Iron - 57	26	26	31