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Multiple Choice
How many electrons are in the nucleus of an atom with an atomic number of 20?
A
0
B
10
C
20
D
40
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that the atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
Recall that electrons are not located in the nucleus; they are found in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus.
Recognize that the atomic number does not directly indicate the number of electrons in the nucleus, as electrons are not part of the nucleus.
Since the problem asks for the number of electrons in the nucleus, and electrons are not present in the nucleus, the answer is 0.
Conclude that the atomic number of 20 indicates the number of protons, not electrons in the nucleus, hence the number of electrons in the nucleus is 0.