An atom has 23 protons and 29 neutrons. Which is the correct chemical symbol for this atom?

• A. ^{52}_{29}V
• B. ^{52}_{23}Na
• C. ^{52}_{23}V
• D. ^{52}_{29}Cu

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the number of protons in the atom, which determines the atomic number (Z). Here, the atom has 23 protons, so Z = 23.
2. Determine the number of neutrons, which is given as 29. The mass number (A) is the sum of protons and neutrons: \(A = Z + \text{neutrons} = 23 + 29\).
3. Calculate the mass number \(A\) using the values from step 2, which will be used as the superscript in the chemical symbol.
4. Use the atomic number \(Z = 23\) to identify the element on the periodic table. The element with atomic number 23 is Vanadium (V).
5. Write the chemical symbol in the form \(^{A}_{Z}X\), where \(A\) is the mass number, \(Z\) is the atomic number, and \(X\) is the element symbol. For this atom, it will be \(^{52}_{23}V\).