To determine the number of protons and electrons in a neutral atom of tellurium (Te), we need to refer to its atomic number. Here’s a detailed step-by-step explanation:
1. Identify Atomic Number:
- The atomic number of an element uniquely identifies it and indicates the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element. For tellurium (Te), the atomic number is 52.
2. Determine Number of Protons:
- Since the atomic number of tellurium is 52, it means that there are 52 protons in the nucleus of a tellurium atom.
- Therefore, the number of protons in a neutral atom of tellurium is 52.
3. Determine Number of Electrons in a Neutral Atom:
- A neutral atom has no overall electric charge, meaning the number of protons (positively charged) is equal to the number of electrons (negatively charged).
- Since tellurium has 52 protons, a neutral atom of tellurium must also have 52 electrons to balance the positive charge from the protons.
4. Conclusion:
- Number of protons [tex]\(= 52\)[/tex]
- Number of electrons [tex]\(= 52\)[/tex]
Thus, the number of protons in a neutral atom of tellurium (Te) is 52, and the number of electrons is also 52.
Number of protons [tex]\(= 52\)[/tex]
Number of electrons [tex]\(= 52\)[/tex]
