How many electrons are present in a neutral atom of the isotope silicon-29?

• A. 15
• B. 29
• C. 14
• D. 16

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the element in question, which is silicon. The atomic number of silicon (Si) is 14, meaning it has 14 protons in its nucleus.
2. Recall that in a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons to balance the positive charge of the nucleus.
3. Understand that the isotope number (29 in silicon-29) represents the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, not the number of electrons.
4. Since the atomic number is 14, the number of electrons in a neutral silicon-29 atom is also 14.
5. Therefore, the isotope number does not affect the electron count; it only affects the neutron count.