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Multiple Choice
How many electrons are present in a neutral atom of lithium-6 (6Li)?
A
2
B
6
C
1
D
3
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the atomic number of lithium (Li), which is the number of protons in the nucleus. For lithium, the atomic number is 3.
Understand that a neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons to balance the charge.
Recognize that the isotope notation 6Li indicates the mass number (sum of protons and neutrons) is 6, but this does not affect the number of electrons in a neutral atom.
Since the atom is neutral, the number of electrons equals the atomic number, which is 3 for lithium.
Therefore, the number of electrons in a neutral atom of lithium-6 is 3.