cobalt has a mass number of 59 and an atomic number of 27. A student wants to create a model of a cobalt atom. Which statement about model is correct?

Answer 1

To create a model of a cobalt atom, we can use the provided information about its mass number and atomic number.

• The atomic number (27) indicates that cobalt has 27 protons in its nucleus.

• The mass number (59) represents the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. To find the number of neutrons, you can subtract the atomic number from the mass number:

  \[ \text{Number of neutrons} = \text{Mass number} - \text{Atomic number} = 59 - 27 = 32 \text{ neutrons} \]

So, the correct statement regarding the model of a cobalt atom is:

• The cobalt atom has 27 protons and 32 neutrons in its nucleus.

Additionally, since it's a neutral atom, it also has 27 electrons orbiting the nucleus.