Problem 4 - Chemistry for Allied Health

Question

How many protons are in the nucleus of each of the following atoms? a. neon (Ne) b. gold (Au) c. strontium (Sr) d. uranium (U)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Neon has 10 protons, gold has 79 protons, strontium has 38 protons, and uranium has 92 protons.

Step 1: Understanding Atomic Number

The atomic number (Z) of an element is equal to the number of protons found in the nucleus of its atom. Each element has a unique atomic number.

Step 2: Finding Atomic Number for Neon (Ne)

Neon is listed in the periodic table with an atomic number of 10. Therefore, a neon atom has 10 protons.

Step 3: Finding Atomic Number for Gold (Au)

Gold has an atomic number of 79 as seen in the periodic table, which means it has 79 protons in its nucleus.

Step 4: Finding Atomic Number for Strontium (Sr)

Strontium, which appears in the periodic table with an atomic number of 38, contains 38 protons in its nucleus.

Step 5: Finding Atomic Number for Uranium (U)

Uranium is listed with an atomic number of 92, indicating it has 92 protons within its nucleus.

Key Concepts

Periodic Table

The periodic table is like a map for elements. Each element has a unique spot on this map, which tells you a lot about it.

Elements on the periodic table are arranged by their atomic number—the number of protons in an atom’s nucleus.

• The atomic number is found above the element's symbol.
• Each column in the table is called a group and each row is a period.

The position of an element can give insights into its properties, like whether it's a metal or non-metal, or its reactivity.

In addition to the atomic number, the periodic table provides important information such as the element's atomic mass and symbol. Understanding this layout is crucial as it forms the foundation for learning about elements, compounds, and chemical reactions.

Protons

Protons are subatomic particles residing within the atomic nucleus.

They have a positive electrical charge, and along with neutrons, they make up the mass of the nucleus.

• The number of protons determines the element's identity. For example, hydrogen, with one proton, is different from helium, which has two protons.
• Since protons are positively charged, they help balance out the negative charge of the electrons surrounding the nucleus, maintaining the atom's overall neutrality.

The concept of protons is key to understanding what makes one element differ from another and how chemical reactions occur.

Neon

Neon is a noble gas, which means it is one of the elements in the last group of the periodic table.

It has an atomic number of 10, meaning it has 10 protons in its nucleus.

• Neon is renowned for its lack of reactivity, which is typical of noble gases.
• It is often used in brightly lit signs because it glows when an electrical current passes through it.
• Its light weight and inert nature make it useful in deep-sea diving equipment and as a cryogenic refrigerant.

Knowledge about neon helps us appreciate not only the uniqueness of each element but also the diversity of their uses in everyday technology and applications.

Gold

Gold is a fascinating metal with an atomic number of 79, meaning it contains 79 protons.

Known for its brilliant yellow color and luster, gold has been prized throughout human history.

• Gold is highly malleable and ductile, making it perfect for crafting intricate jewelry.
• Its resistance to tarnish and corrosion makes it valuable for electronics, as it provides reliable connectors and is crucial in microelectronics components like connectors and contacts.
• Being a rare and dense metal, it's often used in monetary systems and investment portfolios as a hedge against inflation.

Understanding the atomic structure of gold reveals why it possesses these desirable physical and chemical properties.