One atom of 20 F contains 11 neutrons
Further ExplanationAn atomAn atom is the smallest particle of an element that can take part in a chemical reaction. An atom is made up of sub-atomic particles; neutrons, protons and electrons. ProtonsProtons are subatomic particles that are found in the nucleus of an atom. They are positively charged. with a charge of +1.The number of protons differ from one element to another and thus used as the atomic number of an individual element.The nucleus of an atom is positively charged due to the positive charge of the protons. Additionally, protons do not take part in chemical reactions but in nuclear reactions.Neutrons They are sub-atomic particles in an atom that are found in the nucleus of an atom. They have a zero charge or no charge.Neutrons are slightly heavier than protons.The number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus of an atom results to the atomic mass number of an atom. Like protons they only take part in nuclear reactions.Electrons They are found orbiting the nucleus on energy shells based on Clouds’ theory. Electrons are negatively charged each with a charge of -1.The number of electrons and protons in a neutral atom are equal. Additionally they have the least mass of the three sub-atomic particles.Electrons are the only sub-atomic particles that take part in chemical reactions.Atomic numberAtomic number refers to the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. The atomic number of fluorine is 9, since it has 9 protons in its nucleus.Mass numberMass number refers to the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.Mass number = protons + neutrons
Therefore; 20 F has a mass number of fluorine.
Neutrons = Mass number - protons
= 20 - 9
= 11
Therefore; 20 F has 11 neutrons
Keywords: Atom, sub-atomic particles, electrons, protons, neutrons
Learn more about:Sub-atomic particles: Electrons: Protons: Neutrons: Mass number: Atomic number:
Level: High school
Subject: Chemistry
Topic: Atomic structure
