Answer:
Option A. An atom of cobalt contains more neutrons than protons.
Explanation:
From the question given above, the following data were obtained:
Mass number = 59
Atomic number = 27
Next, we shall determine the number of protons in the atom. This is illustrated below:
Atomic number of an element is simply defined as the number of protons in the atom of the element. Thus,
Atomic number = proton number
Atomic number = 27
Therefore,
Proton number = 27
Next, we shall determine the neutron number. This can be obtained as follow:
Mass number = 59
Proton number = 27
Neutron number =?
Mass number = Proton + Neutron
59 = 27 + Neutron
Collect like terms
Neutron = 59 – 27
Neutron number = 32
Next, we shall determine the number of electrons. This can be obtained as follow:
Since the atom is neutral i.e it has no charge, then, the number of protons and electrons are equal. Thus,
Electron number = Proton number
Proton number = 27
Therefore,
Electron number = 27
Summary:
Mass number = 59
Atomic number = 27
Proton number = 27
Neutron number = 32
Electron number = 27
From the above, we can see that the atom of cobalt contains:
1. More neutrons than protons.
2. The same number of protons and electrons.
Therefore, option A gives the correct answer to the question.
