Multiple Choice
How many electrons are in a neutral atom of zirconium (Zr)?
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9. Electrons in Atoms and the Periodic Table
Electronic Structure: Number of Electrons
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An electrically neutral atom of copper (Cu) has atomic number 29. How many electrons are in a neutral copper atom?
A
29
B
27
C
31
D
58
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element. For copper (Cu), the atomic number is 29, meaning it has 29 protons.
Understand that an electrically neutral atom has no overall charge, which means the number of electrons must balance the number of protons.
Since the atom is neutral, the number of electrons equals the number of protons to balance the positive charge of the protons with the negative charge of the electrons.
Therefore, the number of electrons in a neutral copper atom is equal to its atomic number, which is 29.
Use this reasoning to select the correct answer from the options provided.
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