Final answer:
The number of protons in a nucleus is specific to each element and equivalent to its atomic number; for example, nitrogen has an atomic number of 7 and two electron shells. An isotope's stability can be inferred from its proton and neutron count, such as phosphorus with 15 of each. Electron shell capacity follows the formula 2n², with the n = 3 shell holding up to 18 electrons.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the composition of an atom's nucleus, specifically asking how many protons (p+) are found in the nucleus. However, the question seems to be incomplete as there is no mention of a particular element to refer to. Generally, the number of protons in the nucleus is unique to each element and is equivalent to the atomic number of that element. For example, hydrogen has 1 proton, helium has 2, and so on.
Regarding the atomic structure and electron configuration:
- Nitrogen, with an atomic number of seven, would have two electron shells because the first shell can hold up to 2 electrons and the second can hold up to 8.
- The details provided in various parts of the question on isotopes and electron shells suggest how one can determine the number of subatomic particles and the arrangement of electrons in shells.
- For instance, an isotope of phosphorus with 15 neutrons and 15 protons would imply that such an isotope likely has instability due to its neutron-to-proton ratio and its odd numbers of both neutrons and protons.
- Electron shell capacity can be determined using the formula 2n², where n represents the shell level. Thus, for the n = 3 shell, the maximum number of electrons would be 18.