How many neutrons are present in an atom of cadmium (Cd) with a mass number of 112?

• A. 64
• B. 112
• C. 48
• D. 160

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the atomic number (Z) of cadmium (Cd) from the periodic table. The atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of the atom.
2. Recall that the mass number (A) is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of the atom. In this problem, the mass number is given as 112.
3. Use the relationship between mass number, protons, and neutrons: \(A = Z + N\), where \(N\) is the number of neutrons.
4. Rearrange the formula to solve for the number of neutrons: \(N = A - Z\).
5. Substitute the known values of \(A\) (112) and \(Z\) (atomic number of Cd) into the equation to find the number of neutrons.