Specify the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in the neutral atom of chromium-52.

• A. 24 protons, 30 neutrons, 24 electrons
• B. 26 protons, 26 neutrons, 26 electrons
• C. 28 protons, 24 neutrons, 28 electrons
• D. 24 protons, 28 neutrons, 24 electrons

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the atomic number of chromium, which is 24. This number represents the number of protons in the atom.
2. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Therefore, a neutral chromium atom has 24 electrons.
3. The mass number of chromium-52 is given as 52. The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
4. To find the number of neutrons, subtract the number of protons (atomic number) from the mass number: Neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number = 52 - 24.
5. Calculate the number of neutrons: 52 - 24 = 28. Therefore, a neutral chromium-52 atom has 24 protons, 28 neutrons, and 24 electrons.