How many protons, neutrons and electrons respectively are present in the element 60/27 Co?

Analysis

To solve this, we need to understand the notation for an atom, which is written as $^A_Z X$:

• $X$ is the chemical symbol of the element.
• $A$ is the Mass Number (the sum of protons and neutrons).
• $Z$ is the Atomic Number (the number of protons).

For the element $^{60}_{27}\text{Co}$:

• $A = 60$
• $Z = 27$

Concept

1. Protons: The atomic number ($Z$) always equals the number of protons.
2. Electrons: In a neutral atom (like this one), the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons.
3. Neutrons: The number of neutrons is calculated by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number: $\text{Neutrons} = A - Z$.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Find Protons: The atomic number is 27, so there are 27 protons.
2. Find Electrons: Since the atom is neutral, the number of electrons equals the number of protons, so there are 27 electrons.
3. Find Neutrons: Subtract the atomic number from the mass number: • $\text{Neutrons} = 60 - 27 = 33$ • There are 33 neutrons.

Putting them in the requested order (protons, neutrons, electrons): 27, 33, 27.

Conclusion

Comparing our result to the options provided:

• A: 27, 33, 33 (Incorrect)
• B: 33, 27, 27 (Incorrect)
• C: 27, 33, 27 (Correct)
• D: 60, 33, 60 (Incorrect)

Exam Tip

Always remember the acronym APE:

• Atomic number = Protons = Electrons.
• To find Neutrons, just subtract the atomic number from the mass number (N = M - A). This simple trick will save you time in the exam hall!