How many protons, electrons, and neutrons does Strontium-38 have?

1 Answer
anor277
Jan 12, 2016

Strontium has 38 protons (necessarily!), and 38 electrons (necessarily), and has generally 48, 49, or 50 neutrons depending on the isotope.

Explanation:

For strontium, #Z# #=# #38#. There are 38 positively charged particles in its nucleus. Because the element is neutral, there must be a corresponding number of electrons, negatively charged particles, orbiting the nucleus. It atomic mass is #87.62# #g*mol^-1#. #""^86Sr#, #""^87Sr#, #""^88Sr#, isotopes are common. These isotopes MUST have 48, 49, or 50 neutrons respectively in the nuclei.

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