Using the periodic table and your knowledge of atomic structure. cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) have almost identical atomic mass numbers. Comparing the a typical nickel and cobalt atoms, which statement best describes the atoms?

Question

Using the periodic table and your knowledge of atomic structure. cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) have almost identical atomic mass numbers. Comparing the a typical nickel and cobalt atoms, which statement best describes the atoms?
A)	Nickel has one more neutron.	 
B)	Cobalt has one less proton.	 
C)	Both atoms will have the same number of protons.	  
D)	Both atoms will have the same number of neutrons.

Damon · Accepted Answer

Well, if they had the same number of protons they would be the same element. C is out.

The number of protons defines the element, the atomic number
Co ALWAYS has 27 Protons
Ni ALWAYS has 28 Protons

now the mass of Co is about 59 so it has about 32 neutrons
the mass of Ni is about 59 so it has about 31 neutrons

The reason for that "about 32" or "about 31" is that the same element can have several "isotopes" that is the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. The average will be in between

The only thing we can say for sure on your list is that Co(27) has one less proton than Ni (28)

veronica · Answer

they have the same amount of protons

Anonymous · Answer

Sorry but Veronica is wrong for connexus in 2021