An atomic physicist determines that an atom is composed of 8 positively charged particles and has a mass of 15 amu. Which is the best conclusion that can be drawn?

The atom has 7 neutrons and 8 protons.

The atom has 7 electrons and 8 protons.

The atom has 8 neutrons and 7 electrons.

The atom has 8 electrons and 7 protons.

Question

Dominick Mendez

Chemistry

4 June, 01:03

An atomic physicist determines that an atom is composed of 8 positively charged particles and has a mass of 15 amu. Which is the best conclusion that can be drawn?

The atom has 7 neutrons and 8 protons.

The atom has 7 electrons and 8 protons.

The atom has 8 neutrons and 7 electrons.

The atom has 8 electrons and 7 protons.

+1

Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Sanaa Reeves · Answer 1

The correct answer is the atom has 7 neutrons and 8 protons.

Duncan Kidd · Answer 2

Remember that a positively charged particle is the proton. So the atom has 8 protons, which narrows down the options to A and B. The atomic mass is equivalent to the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. So 15 - 8 = 7. So there are 7 neutrons, Which means the answer is A.