How many protons neutrons and electrons are in potassium 40?

Answer 1

Potassium (K ; Kalium) has Atomic No,. 19 in the Periodic Table.

The '19' tells us that potassium has 19 protons , and 19 electrons.

Potassium's Atomic Mass is '40' . This tells us the total number of nucleons in the nucleus of the atom.

Nucleons is the collective noun for protons and neutrons.

Since by the Atomic No. we know that there are 19 protons , then the number of neutrons is 40 - 19 = 21 neutrons.

Since protons and neutrons are given an arbitrary value of '1' each, then '40' is the atomic mass of patassium.

NB Some of your correspodents have stated that there is only 1 electron. This is completely wrong ; they have misunderstood. It has 19 electrons.

Potassium , like sodium ; Same Group '1' elements), readily ionise ONE electron

So the to form the ion K^(+). The other 18 electrons remains in the ion.

Since there are 19 protons ( 19 (+) positives, there musr be 19 electrons (19(-) negatives) to maintain an uncharged atom .

When one electron is ionised (lost) the atom becomes an ion and contains 19 (+) & 18(-) = 1(+) ; indicated as '+'

So the atomic symbol is 'K' , but the ionic symbol is 'K^(+)'.

K^(+) is a charged species , a cation. NOT an atom .

NNB Potassium can exhibit ISOTOPES . This is where the number of NEUTRONS can vary.

So the isotopes

K-39 has 20 neutrons, 19 protons, 19 electrons

K-40 has 21 neutrons , 19 protons, and 19 electrons

K-41 has 22 neutrons , 19 protons and 19 electrons.

However, as an example , an isotope of K-41 may ionise to K-41^(+)

This ion would contain 22 neutrons, 19 protons, an 18 elecgtrons.

Notice in ALL cases the number of protons does NOT change. A change in the number of protons means that it is a different element.

Hope that helps!!!!

Answer 2

I know that there are

Electrons: 1

Protons: 19

But I am still reaserching the nuetrons

I got this info off Answers.com ironicly so if I am wrong than I have no clue!

Answer 3

It has 1 It has 1 It has 19 electrons and 1 free electron.

Answer 4

The atomic number of potassium (K) is 19. So there are 19 protons and 19 neutrons. In addition, in K-40 isotope, there are 21 neutrons (40 - 19 = 21)

Answer 5

Potassium-40 has 21 neutrons. :)

Answer 6

19 protons, 19 electrons, and 21 neutrons