Final answer:
The atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, is calculated by subtracting the number of neutrons from the mass number. For an atom with a mass number of 32 and 17 neutrons, the atomic number is 15.
Step-by-step explanation:
The atomic number of an atom is the number of protons in its nucleus and is represented by the letter Z. The mass number of an atom is the total number of protons and neutrons and is represented by the letter A. Given the atom has a mass number of 32 and contains 17 neutrons, we can find the atomic number by subtracting the number of neutrons from the mass number.
The formula to determine the number of protons (atomic number) is:
Z = A - N
Where:
- Z = atomic number (number of protons)
- A = mass number (total number of protons and neutrons)
- N = number of neutrons
For the given atom:
A = 32 (mass number)
N = 17 (number of neutrons)
Thus, the atomic number Z = 32 - 17 = 15. This means that the atom has 15 protons in its nucleus.