How many electrons are present in a neutral atom of vanadium (atomic number 23)?

• A. 5
• B. 23
• C. 18
• D. 28

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the atomic number of vanadium, which is given as 23. The atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
2. 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.
3. Since vanadium is neutral, the number of electrons must be equal to its atomic number, which is 23.
4. Therefore, the number of electrons in a neutral atom of vanadium is 23.
5. No further calculations are needed because the atomic number directly gives the number of electrons in a neutral atom.