To find the number of neutrons in a single [tex]\(Fe^{2+}\)[/tex] atom, follow these steps:
1. Identify the mass number:
The mass number of [tex]\(Fe^{2+}\)[/tex] is given as 56. The mass number represents the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of the atom.
2. Identify the atomic number:
The atomic number of Iron (Fe) is 26. The atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of the atom.
3. Calculate the number of neutrons:
The number of neutrons in an atom can be found by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number:
[tex]\[ \text{Number of neutrons} = \text{Mass number} - \text{Atomic number} \][/tex]
Plugging in the given values:
[tex]\[ \text{Number of neutrons} = 56 - 26 \][/tex]
4. Perform the subtraction:
[tex]\[ \text{Number of neutrons} = 30 \][/tex]
Therefore, an [tex]\(Fe^{2+}\)[/tex] atom has 30 neutrons.
The correct answer is: 30.
