Nitrogen's atomic number is 7. How many protons, neutrons, and electrons make up an atom of nitrogen-15?

To understand the composition of an atom of nitrogen-15, we can break down the problem as follows:

1. Breakdown the Problem

• Determine the number of protons in nitrogen.
• Identify the mass number of nitrogen-15.
• Calculate the number of neutrons.
• Determine the number of electrons.

2. Relevant Concepts

• The atomic number of an element indicates the number of protons in its nucleus.
• The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
• In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons.

3. Analysis and Detail

1. Protons: The atomic number of nitrogen is 7, so an atom of nitrogen has 7 protons.

2. Mass Number: For nitrogen-15, the mass number is 15.

3. Neutrons: To find the number of neutrons, use the formula: $\text{Neutrons} = \text{Mass Number} - \text{Protons}$ Substituting the values: $\text{Neutrons} = 15 - 7 = 8$ So, there are 8 neutrons.

4. Electrons: Since nitrogen is neutral, the number of electrons equals the number of protons, so there are also 7 electrons.

4. Verify and Summarize

• Protons: 7
• Neutrons: 8
• Electrons: 7

Final Answer

An atom of nitrogen-15 consists of 7 protons, 8 neutrons, and 7 electrons.