One nucleus that will prove to be important in the study of the evolving universe is ⁵⁶Fe. This isotope of iron has 26 electrons as a neutral atom. The nuclear isotope has A) 26 protons and 56 neutrons. B) 26 protons and 30 neutrons. C) 56 protons and 26 neutrons. D) 56 protons and 30 neutrons.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The notation ⁵⁶Fe indicates an isotope of iron (Fe) with a mass number (sum of protons and neutrons) of 56. Since iron has 26 protons (as indicated by its atomic number), the number of neutrons can be calculated by subtracting the number of protons from the mass number: 56 - 26 = 30 neutrons.

One Nucleus That Will Prove to Be Important in the Study