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Multiple Choice
A potassium atom has a mass number of 37. What is the number of neutrons in this atom?
A
21
B
19
C
18
D
20
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the given information: the potassium atom has a mass number (A) of 37, and the atomic number (Z) of potassium is 19 (which represents the number of protons).
Recall the relationship between mass number, protons, and neutrons: \(A = Z + N\), where \(N\) is the number of neutrons.
Rearrange the formula to solve for the number of neutrons: \(N = A - Z\).
Substitute the known values into the equation: \(N = 37 - 19\).
Calculate the difference to find the number of neutrons in the potassium atom.