Question

A neutral chlorine atom has 17 protons and 18 neutrons. How many electrons does it have?
A. 16
B. 17
C. 18
D. 19


(And if you want please explain how you get the answer.)

Answer 1

The atom has as many electrons as protons.
The correct answer is b) - 17 electrons.

:)

Answer 2

Answer : The correct option is, (B) 17

Explanation :

Atomic number is defined as the number of protons or number of electrons.

Atomic number = number of protons = number of electrons

Mass number is defined as the sum of number of protons and number of neutrons.

Number of neutrons = Mass number - Number of protons

As we are given that:

Number of protons in chlorine atom = 17

Number of neutrons in chlorine atom = 18

For neutral atom :

As, Atomic number = number of protons = number of electrons

So, Number of electrons in chlorine atom = Number of protons = 17

Hence, the correct option is (B) 17