Multiple Choice
Which of the following primarily determines the chemical properties of an element?
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2. Atoms & Elements
The Atom
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How many electrons are present in a neutral atom of potassium (K)?
A
18
B
20
C
39
D
19
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of potassium (K) from the periodic table. The atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of the atom.
Recall that in a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons to balance the positive charge of the nucleus.
Since potassium has an atomic number of 19, it means it has 19 protons.
Therefore, the number of electrons in a neutral potassium atom is also 19.
Conclude that the correct answer is 19 electrons for a neutral potassium atom.
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