Question

Which statement below correctly identifies the number of subatomic particles inside and outside the nucleus of an argon atom?

There are 40 particles inside the nucleus and 18 particles outside the nucleus.

There are 40 particles inside the nucleus and 22 particles outside the nucleus.

There are 40 particles inside the nucleus and 40 particles outside the nucleus.

There are 18 particles inside the nucleus and 18 particles outside the nucleus.

Answer 1

18 protons, 22 neutrons, 18 electrons

There are 18 protons from the argon element. There 18 electrons because it is neutral, and 22 neutrons because 40 - 18 = 22.

Answer 2

18 protons, 22 neutrons, 18 electrons
There are 18 protons from the argon element. There 18 electrons because it is neutral, and 22 neutrons because 40 - 18 = 22.