Determine the number of neutrons in a neutral atom of phosphorus-31

Sure, here are the steps to determine the number of neutrons in a neutral atom of Phosphorus-31:

1. Identify the atomic number of Phosphorus. The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus. For Phosphorus, the atomic number is 15, which means it has 15 protons.

2. Identify the atomic mass number. The atomic mass number (also known as the isotope number) is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom. For Phosphorus-31, the atomic mass number is 31.

3. Subtract the atomic number from the atomic mass number to find the number of neutrons. In this case, 31 (atomic mass number) - 15 (atomic number) = 16.

So, a neutral atom of Phosphorus-31 has 16 neutrons.