* Atomic Number: Iron (Fe) has an atomic number of 26. This means a neutral iron atom has 26 protons.
* Protons and Electrons: In a neutral atom, the number of protons always equals the number of electrons. So, iron also has 26 electrons.
* Neutrons: To find the number of neutrons, you need the atomic mass. Iron's atomic mass is approximately 55.93.
* Subtract the atomic number (protons) from the atomic mass: 55.93 - 26 = 29.93.
* Since we're dealing with whole particles, round 29.93 to the nearest whole number, giving you 30 neutrons.
Therefore, a neutral iron atom contains:
* 26 protons
* 26 electrons
* 30 neutrons
Total: 26 + 26 + 30 = 82 subatomic particles
