Question

Consider an atom of 58co. how many protons, neutrons, and electrons does this atom contain? express the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons as integers separated by commas.

Answer 1

Protons = 27, Neutrons = 31, Electrons = 27

Step-by-step explanation:

Cobalt is a Transition Metal having an atomic number of 27 and an atomic mass of 58 amu (according to statement).

Number of Protons:

The number of protons present in an element are equal to its atomic number. As Cobalt atom has an atomic number of 27 so it contains 27 protons.

Number of Neutrons:

The number of Neutrons are calculated as;

# of Neutrons = Atomic Mass - Atomic Number

So,

# of Neutrons = 58 - 27

# of Neutrons = 31

Number of Electrons:

As Cobalt is present in its Neutral state, means the number of protons and electrons are equal in number. Therefore, for 27 protons it must contain 27 electrons.