How many protons, electrons, and neutrons does a neutral atom of an element with atomic number 48 and mass number 120 contain?

1 Answer
anor277
Jun 27, 2016

The element is characterized by the number of protons, massive, positively charged nuclear particles. Here Z=48

Explanation:

The mass of an atom is the sum of massive nuclear particles, protons (as above), and neutrons, neutrally charged, massive nuclear particles. Here the number of neutrons = 120-48=?

In the neutral element, if there are 48 positive charges, there are 48 negative particles, i.e. 48 electrons, conceived to orbit the massive core.

I could describe the element as ""^120M, where Z=48. What is the name of the element, and what is its symbol?

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