How many protons, neutrons, and electrons are in each of the following atoms? (c)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the atomic number (Z) and the mass number (A) of the atom. The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the chemical properties of an element and its place in the periodic table. The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.
2. Step 2: Determine the number of protons. The atomic number is equal to the number of protons. So, the number of protons in the atom is the atomic number.
3. Step 3: Determine the number of neutrons. The number of neutrons in an atom can be found by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number. So, the number of neutrons is equal to the mass number minus the atomic number.
4. Step 4: Determine the number of electrons. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. So, the number of electrons in the atom is the same as the atomic number.
5. Step 5: If the atom is an ion (it has a charge), then the number of electrons will be different from the number of protons. If the atom has a positive charge, it means it has lost electrons, so subtract the charge from the number of protons to get the number of electrons. If the atom has a negative charge, it means it has gained electrons, so add the charge to the number of protons to get the number of electrons.

Key Concepts

Atomic Structure

Atoms are the basic units of matter, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus, while neutrons are neutral particles that also reside in the nucleus. Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus in electron shells. The number of protons defines the element, while the total number of protons and neutrons gives the atomic mass.

Atomic Number and Mass Number

The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in its nucleus, which determines the element's identity. The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. For example, carbon has an atomic number of 6, meaning it has 6 protons, and its most common isotope has a mass number of 12, indicating it has 6 neutrons (12 - 6 = 6).

Charge Balance in Atoms

In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons, balancing the overall charge. If an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion, which can be positively charged (cation) or negatively charged (anion). Understanding this balance is crucial for determining the electron count in various atoms and their chemical behavior.