* Understanding the Notation: Argon-38 (³⁸Ar) tells us:
* Argon (Ar): This is the element, which means it has 18 protons.
* 38: This is the mass number, representing the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
* Neutral Atoms: In a neutral atom, the number of protons (positive charge) equals the number of electrons (negative charge).
Therefore, Argon-38 has 18 electrons.
