Questions: How many electrons are in a neutral ^41Ca atom? A 2 B 20 C 21 D 41

Transcript text: How many electrons are in a neutral ${ }^{41} \mathrm{Ca}$ atom? A \[ 2 \] B 20 C 21 D 41

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Understand the Composition of a Neutral Atom

A neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons. This is because the positive charge of the protons is balanced by the negative charge of the electrons.

Step 2: Identify the Atomic Number

The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus. For calcium ($\mathrm{Ca}$), the atomic number is 20. This means a neutral calcium atom has 20 protons.

Step 3: Determine the Number of Electrons

Since a neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, a neutral $^{41} \mathrm{Ca}$ atom will also have 20 electrons.