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Multiple Choice
How many protons are in a neutral atom of calcium (Ca)?
A
22
B
20
C
40
D
18
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the element in question, which is calcium (Ca). Each element is defined by its atomic number, which represents the number of protons in its nucleus.
Recall that the atomic number of an element is the number of protons in a neutral atom of that element. This number is unique to each element and can be found on the periodic table.
Look up calcium (Ca) on the periodic table to find its atomic number. The atomic number is usually located above the element symbol.
Note that the atomic number of calcium is 20, which means a neutral calcium atom has 20 protons.
Understand that the other numbers given (22, 40, 18) represent either the mass number or other values, but the number of protons is specifically the atomic number, which is 20 for calcium.