Cobalt (Co) has an atomic mass of 59 and an atomic number of 27. Which statement correctly describes an atom of cobalt?
O A. An atom of cobalt contains more neutrons than protons.
B. An atom of cobalt contains more electrons than protons.
O C. An atom of cobalt contains the same number of neutrons and protons.
O D. An atom of cobalt contains the same number of neutrons, electrons and protons.

Cobalt Co has an atomic mass of 59 and an atomic number of 27 Which statement correctly describes an atom of cobalt O A An atom of cobalt contains more neutrons class=

Respuesta :

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.