An electrically neutral atom of lithium has an atomic number of 3 and a mass number of 7.Determine the correct order of the number of protons, neutrons and electrons. 3, 4, 34, 3, 33, 3, 34, 4, 3

The correct order of the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons for a neutral atom of lithium is 3, 4, 3.

Here's why:

1. The atomic number of an atom is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus. Since lithium has an atomic number of 3, it has 3 protons.

2. The mass number of an atom is equal to the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus. Since lithium has a mass number of 7 and we know it has 3 protons, it must have 4 neutrons (because 7 - 3 = 4).

3. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Since lithium is neutral and has 3 protons, it also has 3 electrons.

So, the correct order is 3 protons, 4 neutrons, and 3 electrons.