Question

How many neutrons does element X have if its atomic number is 23 and its mass number is 90?

Answer 1

The number of neutrons is 67

Step-by-step explanation:

As we know that the atomic number is the number of protons. If we subtract the atomic number from the mass number, we can actually find the number of neutrons.

So

Number of neutrons = Mass number - atomic number

Neutrons = 90 - 23 = 67

Answer 2

67

Step-by-step explanation:

- The atomic number (Z) of an atom is equal to the number of protons in the nucleus

- The mass number (A) of an atom is equal to the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus

Therefore, calling p the number of protons and n the number of neutrons, for element X we have:

Z = p = 23

A = p + n = 90

Substituting p=23 into the second equation, we find the number of neutrons:

n = 90 - p = 90 - 23 = 67