Final Answer:
There are 51 p electrons in an atom of antimony (Sb), so the correct (option A).
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the number of p electrons in an atom of antimony (Sb), we refer to its electron configuration. Antimony has an atomic number of 51, meaning it has 51 electrons. The electron configuration of antimony is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p³. The last electron entered the 5p orbital, and since there are three electrons in the 5p subshell, antimony has 51 - 3 = 48 s and d electrons combined. Therefore, the number of p electrons is 3, and the correct option is A (option A).
Understanding the electron configuration is crucial in determining the distribution of electrons in different energy levels and subshells within an atom. The periodic table provides a structured framework for organizing elements based on their atomic numbers and electron configurations. In the case of antimony, knowing that the last electron enters the 5p subshell helps identify the number of p electrons in the atom.
In summary, antimony (Sb) has 51 electrons in total, and by examining its electron configuration, we find that it has 3 p electrons. This knowledge contributes to a deeper understanding of the electronic structure of atoms, which is essential in various scientific fields, including chemistry and physics.