An atom has 24 neutrons and a mass of 40. what is the complete symbol?

we know what were doing but it just doesnt make sense.

Dr.A2010-09-30T08:40:40Z

Favorite Answer

mass number = neutrons + protons

40 = 24 + protons

protons = 40 - 24 = 16

the element with 16 protons is sulfur : S

40
....S
16

Kristopher2010-09-30T08:41:59Z

With a mass of 40, the atom has p protons, where p + 24 =40. Therefore, p =16, and the element is S. The symbol is therefore 40/16S (40 should be superscripted, 16 should be subscripted, both should be in front of the S).

DPG2010-09-30T09:03:07Z

there is some thing wrong with the question,an element with 16 protons is sulphur but it does not have mass 40,the element with 40 neutrons is inert gas with atomic number 18,then it will have 22 neutrons and not 24.