Answer :
To find the number of neutrons in an atom, you need to know the atomic mass and the atomic number of the element.
1. Identify the Atomic Mass and Atomic Number:
- The atomic mass of gold is given as 197.
- The atomic number of gold is 79.
2. Understand What Each Term Means:
- Atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
- Atomic mass is approximately the total number of protons and neutrons in the atom.
3. Calculate the Number of Neutrons:
- To find the number of neutrons, you subtract the atomic number from the atomic mass:
[tex]\[
\text{Number of Neutrons} = \text{Atomic Mass} - \text{Atomic Number}
\][/tex]
- For gold, this calculation would be:
[tex]\[
197 - 79 = 118
\][/tex]
4. Conclusion:
- Gold has 118 neutrons in its nucleus.
So, the correct answer is that gold has 118 neutrons.
1. Identify the Atomic Mass and Atomic Number:
- The atomic mass of gold is given as 197.
- The atomic number of gold is 79.
2. Understand What Each Term Means:
- Atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
- Atomic mass is approximately the total number of protons and neutrons in the atom.
3. Calculate the Number of Neutrons:
- To find the number of neutrons, you subtract the atomic number from the atomic mass:
[tex]\[
\text{Number of Neutrons} = \text{Atomic Mass} - \text{Atomic Number}
\][/tex]
- For gold, this calculation would be:
[tex]\[
197 - 79 = 118
\][/tex]
4. Conclusion:
- Gold has 118 neutrons in its nucleus.
So, the correct answer is that gold has 118 neutrons.
