Unraveling the Mystery of Xenon Atom: Let's Explore!
How many protons, electrons, and neutrons are there in an atom of ¹²⁹Xe?
a. 54, 54, 129
b. 129, 129, 75
c. 54, 54, 75
d. 129, 129, 129
e. 54, 75, 129
Answer:
An atom of ¹²⁹Xe has 54 protons, 54 electrons, and 75 neutrons.
Have you ever wondered about the composition of an atom of Xenon with the atomic mass number ¹²⁹Xe? Let's break it down!
In the symbol ¹²⁹Xe, the number above represents the atomic mass number, which is the total of protons and neutrons. The number below indicates the atomic number, which signifies the number of protons in the atom.
For Xenon (Xe), the atomic number is 54, indicating it has 54 protons. Since it is a neutral atom, it also contains 54 electrons. To determine the number of neutrons, we subtract the atomic number (protons) from the atomic mass number. In this case, 129 (mass number) - 54 (protons) = 75 neutrons.
Therefore, the correct answer is option c. 54, 54, 75. This breakdown showcases the fascinating details within the Xenon atom, offering us a glimpse into the realm of atomic structure.
Curious to explore more about atoms and their intriguing characteristics? Dive deeper into the world of chemistry to unveil the secrets of the microscopic universe!