Question

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 the model is correct?(1 point) Responses The model should show 32 protons and 59 neutrons. The model should show 32 protons and 59 neutrons. The model should show 27 protons and 32 neutrons. The model should show 27 protons and 32 neutrons. The model should show 27 protons and 27 neutrons. The model should show 27 protons and 27 neutrons. The model should show 59 protons and 27 neutrons. The model should show 59 protons and 27 neutrons.

Answer 1

To determine the correct statement about the model of a cobalt atom, we need to understand the definitions of the atomic number and mass number.

• The atomic number (27 for cobalt) represents the number of protons in the nucleus.
• The mass number (59 for cobalt) is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

To find the number of neutrons, we can use the formula: \[ \text{Number of neutrons} = \text{Mass number} - \text{Atomic number} \] \[ \text{Number of neutrons} = 59 - 27 = 32 \]

Thus, a cobalt atom has:

• 27 protons
• 32 neutrons

The correct statement regarding the model of a cobalt atom is: The model should show 27 protons and 32 neutrons.