The Composition of Atoms Quick Check

Question

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Question
A student wants to draw a model of an atom. Which statement describes how to find the number of neutrons to include in the model?(1 point)
Responses

Add the number of electrons to the number of protons.
Add the number of electrons to the number of protons.

Subtract the atomic number from the mass number.
Subtract the atomic number from the mass number.

Subtract the number of electrons from the number of protons.
Subtract the number of electrons from the number of protons.

Add the atomic number and the mass number.
Add the atomic number and the mass number.
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Answer 1

To find the number of neutrons to include in the model of an atom, you should:

Subtract the atomic number from the mass number.

This is because the atomic number represents the number of protons (which is the same as the number of electrons in a neutral atom), and the mass number represents the total number of protons and neutrons. Thus, the number of neutrons can be calculated using the formula:

Number of Neutrons = Mass Number - Atomic Number.