What do all atoms in a piece of pure copper have in common?

1 Answer
Jun 10, 2017

All copper atoms have 29 protons in their nuclei.

Explanation:

By definition, a copper atom has 29 protons, 29 positively charged particles in their nuclei; i.e. Z=29. This is what defines the particle as a copper atom, i.e. Z=atomic number determines the element.

The nucleus MAY contain approx. 34-35 neutrons, massive, neutrally charged particles, in their nuclei, and the differing number of neutrons gives rise to the existence of copper isotopes:

63Cu,69%;65Cu,31%.