Cobalt has a mass number of 59 and an atomic number of 27. A student wants to create a model of a cobalt atom. Which statement about the model is correct
The correct statement about the model of a cobalt atom is that it would contain 27 protons, 27 electrons, and 32 neutrons.
The correct statement about the model of a cobalt atom is that it should represent the atomic structure, including the nucleus and the electrons.
To create a model of a cobalt atom, it is important to understand its atomic structure and the arrangement of its subatomic particles. Here's how you can determine the correct statement about the cobalt atom model:
1. Start by understanding the basic structure of an atom:
- An atom consists of a positively charged nucleus at the center.
- The nucleus contains protons and neutrons.
- Surrounding the nucleus, there are negatively charged electrons moving in electron shells.
2. Identify the atomic number and mass number of cobalt:
- The atomic number of cobalt is given as 27. This tells us that cobalt has 27 protons.
- The mass number of cobalt is given as 59. This helps us determine the number of neutrons.
3. Calculate the number of neutrons:
- The mass number of an atom is the sum of protons and neutrons.
- Given that the mass number of cobalt is 59 and the number of protons (atomic number) is 27, subtracting 27 from 59 gives us the number of neutrons.
- Neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number
- Neutrons = 59 - 27
- Neutrons = 32
4. Understand the model of a cobalt atom:
- The model will show the nucleus at the center, containing 27 protons and 32 neutrons.
- The protons and neutrons are packed together in the nucleus.
- The electrons will be shown in energy levels or electron shells surrounding the nucleus.
- Since the atomic number is 27, there will be 27 electrons distributed across these shells.
Based on this information, the correct statement about the model of a cobalt atom would be: The model should include a nucleus with 27 protons and 32 neutrons, surrounded by 27 electrons distributed in electron shells.