An atom of an element contains 29 electrons and 35 neutrons. Deduce (i) the number of protons and (ii) the electronic configuration of the element.

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

(i) In an atom the number of electrons is always equal to the number of protons to balance the charge in the atom and thus an atom is electrically neutral.

So, number of protons = number of electrons = 29

(ii) The electronic configuration of the atom is given as below

1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s¹ 3d¹⁰

This electronic configuration refers to the electronic configuration of copper.