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Multiple Choice
What is the number of electrons in a neutral potassium atom?
A
18
B
19
C
20
D
21
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the atomic number of potassium from the periodic table. The atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom.
Understand that in a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. This is because the positive charge of the protons is balanced by the negative charge of the electrons.
Since the atomic number of potassium is 19, a neutral potassium atom has 19 protons.
Therefore, a neutral potassium atom must also have 19 electrons to balance the charge.
Conclude that the number of electrons in a neutral potassium atom is 19.