Multiple Choice
How many neutrons does a typical lithium atom have?
2. Atoms & Elements
Isotopes
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How many neutrons does a typical sodium atom have?
A
12 neutrons
B
14 neutrons
C
13 neutrons
D
11 neutrons
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of sodium. Sodium is represented by the symbol 'Na' and has an atomic number of 11. This means it has 11 protons.
Determine the mass number of a typical sodium atom. The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. For sodium, the most common isotope has a mass number of 23.
Use the formula to find the number of neutrons: \( \text{Number of neutrons} = \text{Mass number} - \text{Atomic number} \).
Substitute the known values into the formula: \( \text{Number of neutrons} = 23 - 11 \).
Calculate the result from the substitution to find the number of neutrons in a typical sodium atom.
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