How many neutrons are there in a single #Fe^(2+)# atom?

1 Answer
Jun 14, 2016

Generally there are 30 neutrons in an iron nucleus.

Explanation:

The oxidation state of iron, given as #Fe^(2+)#, is there to distract you. For #Fe#, #Z#, the atomic number, #=26#. Thus there are 26 positively charged, massive particles within ALL iron nuclei. This property defines the element as iron. The most common isotope of iron is #""^56Fe#, approx. 90% abundant.

Since the mass of the iron nuclide is #56#, there must be #56-26=30# neutrons, #30# massive, neutral particles in this iron nucleus.