Select the correct number of protons (p), electrons (e), and neutrons (n) in one atom of chlorine-37.
A) 37 p, 37 e, 17 n
B) 17 p, 17 e, 37 n
C) 17 p, 17 e, 20 n
D) 37 p, 17 e, 20 n
E) 17 p, 37 e, 17 n

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chlorine-37 means the atomic mass number (sum of protons and neutrons) is 37. Chlorine's atomic number is 17, meaning it has 17 protons and, in a neutral atom, 17 electrons. Subtracting the number of protons (17) from the atomic mass number (37) gives 20 neutrons.

Select the Correct Number of Protons (P), Electrons (E), and Neutrons