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An atom of potassium-37 and an atom of potassium-42 differ in the total number of

a-positrons
b-neutrons
c-electrons
d-protons

User Doremi
by
8.5k points

1 Answer

2 votes

Answer : The correct option is, Neutrons.

Explanation :

The given atoms are,
^(37)K and
^(42)K

As from the periodic table, the atomic number of potassium is, 19

In
^(37)K,

Atomic mass number = 37

Atomic number = 19

Atomic number = Number of electrons = Number of protons = 19

Number of neutrons = Atomic mass number - Atomic number = 37 - 19 = 18

In
^(42)K,

Atomic mass number = 42

Atomic number = 19

Atomic number = Number of electrons = Number of protons = 19

Number of neutrons = Atomic mass number - Atomic number = 42 - 19 = 23

From this we conclude that the number of protons and electrons are same in given atoms but the number of neutrons are different.

Hence, an atom of potassium-37 and an atom of potassium-42 differ in the total number of Neutrons.

User Damned
by
7.7k points
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