Question

Complete the nuclear equation

42 K → 0 e
19____-1

Answer 1

42 19 K→42 20 Ca+e−

Step-by-step explanation:

Naturally-occurring potassium atoms have a weighted average atomic mass of 39.10 (as seen on most modern versions of the periodic table.) Each potassium atom contains 19 protons p+ and thus an average potassium atom contains about 39.10−19≈20 neutrons n0.

This particular isotope of potassium-42 contains 42 nucleons (i.e., protons and neutrons, combined;) Like other isotopes of potassium 19 out of these nucleons are protons; the rest 42−19=23 are therefore neutrons.