Question

Most neutral atoms of argon have an atomic mass of 40 amu and an atomic number of 18. what are these atoms composed of?

A.18 protons,22 neutrons, and 22 electrons
B.18 protons 22 neutrons 18 electrons
C.18 protons 18 neutrons 18 electrons
D,18 protons 40 neutrons and 18 electrons

Answer 1

Most neutral atoms of argon have an atomic mass of 40 amu and an atomic number of 18. They are composed of 18 protons, 22 neutrons, and 18 electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most neutral atoms of argon have an atomic mass of 40 amu and an atomic number of 18. To determine the composition of these atoms, we need to know the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons. The atomic number, 18, represents the number of protons, which is also equal to the number of electrons. The atomic mass, 40 amu, is the sum of protons and neutrons. Therefore, the correct composition of these atoms is:

Option B: 18 protons, 22 neutrons, and 18 electrons.

Answer 2

B.18 protons 22 neutrons 18 electrons

Step-by-step explanation:

Neutral atom of Argon;

Atomic mass = 40amu

Atomic number = 18

Let us find the number of the subatomic particles;

Protons are the positively charged particles in an atom

Electrons are the negatively charged particles

Neutrons do not carry any charges.

Now;

Atomic mass = number of protons + number of neutrons

Atomic number = number of protons

number of protons = 18

In a neutral atom, number of protons equals number of electrons

number of electrons = 18

Number of neutrons = atomic mass - atomic number

Number of neutrons = 40 - 18 = 22

18 protons, 18 electrons and 22 neutrons