Final answer:
To find the number of protons in an atom with a mass number of 48 and 22 neutrons, subtract the number of neutrons from the mass number, resulting in 26 protons for the atom.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns the determination of the number of protons in an atom with a given mass number and a specific number of neutrons. The atomic mass number represents the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Given a mass number of 48 and the presence of 22 neutrons, the number of protons can be calculated by subtracting the number of neutrons from the mass number. So, the calculation is as follows:
- Number of protons = Mass number - Number of neutrons
- Number of protons = 48 - 22 = 26
Therefore, the atom would have 26 protons, which corresponds to option c) 26 protons.