Chapter 15, Problem 6RAT

To determine

The correct option for the statement “The nucleus of an electrically neutral iron atom contains 26 protons. How many electrons does this iron atom have?”

Answer to Problem 6RAT

The correct option for the statement “The nucleus of an electrically neutral iron atom contains 26 protons. How many electrons does this iron atom have?” is option (b).

Explanation of Solution

Iron atom is present in the eighth group of periodic table. The atomic number of iron atom is 26 and its atomic mass is $55.85\text{ u}$. The number of protons present in its nucleus is equal to its atomic number. It means there are 26 protons present in the nucleus of iron.

Iron atom is electrically neutral, so for this condition, the number of electrons in the iron atom will be similar to the number of protons present in its nucleus. Thus the number of electrons present in iron atom will be 26.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the correct option for the statement “The nucleus of an electrically neutral iron atom contains 26 protons. How many electrons does this iron atom have?” is option (b).