Aluminum is a chemical element with the symbol Al and atomic number 13. This means that every atom of aluminum has 13 protons in its nucleus. Since atoms are electrically neutral, the number of electrons in an aluminum atom is also 13, balancing the positive charge of the protons.
In terms of neutrons, the number can vary slightly because aluminum has different isotopes. The most common isotope of aluminum is aluminum-27, which has 14 neutrons. This is calculated by subtracting the atomic number (13) from the mass number (27).
So, in summary, a typical aluminum atom has:
– 13 protons
– 14 neutrons
– 13 electrons