10. Determine the protons, neutrons and electrons for potassium

Question

UpStudy AI · Accepted Answer

To determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in a potassium (K) atom, let's break it down step by step.

### **1. Atomic Number and Protons**
- **Atomic Number (Z)**: The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus.
- **Potassium (K)** has an atomic number of **19**.
  
  **Protons = 19**

### **2. Electrons**
- In a **neutral atom**, the number of electrons equals the number of protons.
  
  **Electrons = 19**

### **3. Neutrons**
- To find the number of neutrons, you need to know the **mass number (A)** of the specific isotope of potassium. The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons.

- **Common Isotopes of Potassium:**
  - **Potassium-39 (K-39)**
    - **Mass Number (A)**: 39
    - **Neutrons = A - Z = 39 - 19 = 20**
  - **Potassium-40 (K-40)**
    - **Mass Number (A)**: 40
    - **Neutrons = 40 - 19 = 21**
  - **Potassium-41 (K-41)**
    - **Mass Number (A)**: 41
    - **Neutrons = 41 - 19 = 22**

- **Most Abundant Isotope:** Potassium-39 is the most common isotope of potassium, making up about **93.3%** of natural potassium.

**Neutrons (for K-39) = 20**

### **Summary for Neutral Potassium-39 Atom:**
- **Protons:** 19
- **Neutrons:** 20
- **Electrons:** 19

### **Visualization:**

```
Potassium-39 (K-39)
---------------------
Protons:   19
Neutrons:  20
Electrons: 19
```

### **Note:**
If the potassium atom is **ionized** (has lost or gained electrons), the number of electrons will change accordingly. However, the number of protons and neutrons remains constant unless the nucleus undergoes a nuclear reaction.
Potassium has 19 protons, 20 neutrons, and 19 electrons.

Determine the protons, neutrons and electrons for potassium

Upstudy AI Solution

Answer

Solution

Mind Expander

Related Questions

Latest Chemistry Questions