Problem 5 - Chemistry for Allied Health

Question

A certain atom contains 28 protons, 28 electrons, and 31 neutrons. Provide the following: a. atomic number b. mass number c. name of element

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Atomic number: 28; Mass number: 59; Element: Nickel (Ni).

Step 1: Identify the Atomic Number

The atomic number of an element is determined by the number of protons it has. For this atom, there are 28 protons. Thus, the atomic number is 28.

Step 2: Calculate the Mass Number

The mass number of an atom is the sum of protons and neutrons in its nucleus. For this atom, the number of protons is 28 and the number of neutrons is 31. Therefore, the mass number is calculated as follows: \[ \text{Mass Number} = \text{Number of Protons} + \text{Number of Neutrons} = 28 + 31 = 59 \] The mass number is 59.

Step 3: Determine the Element's Name

The name of an element is determined by its atomic number, which corresponds to its position on the periodic table. An element with an atomic number of 28 is Nickel (Ni).

Key Concepts

Understanding Mass Number

Mass number is a fundamental concept in chemistry that helps to identify and understand the composition of an atom. The mass number of an atom is the total count of protons and neutrons in its nucleus. These two types of particles are collectively known as nucleons because they are located in the nucleus.
Protons and neutrons have approximately the same mass, which is measured in atomic mass units (amu). Electrons are also present in atoms, but their mass is so tiny compared to protons and neutrons that it is typically disregarded when calculating the mass number. To calculate the mass number:

• Add the number of protons, which are positively charged particles.
• Add the number of neutrons, which carry no charge.

For example, if an atom has 28 protons and 31 neutrons, the mass number will be 59. This tells us about the atom's overall mass and gives insights into its stability and properties.

Element Identification through Atomic Number

Identifying an element is straightforward when you know its atomic number. The atomic number is the total number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom. It is unique to each element, much like a fingerprint. This number not only tells us what element we have, but also its position on the periodic table. The periodic table is a comprehensive chart where elements are arranged primarily by increasing atomic number. Elements with similar properties are placed in the same column, forming a group. For instance:

• If an atom has 1 proton, its atomic number is 1, and it is identified as Hydrogen.
• An atom with 28 protons has an atomic number of 28 and is identified as Nickel.

This means that by simply knowing the atomic number, one can determine an element's properties and predict how it might react with other elements.

Protons and Neutrons: The Building Blocks

Protons and neutrons are key building blocks in the nucleus of an atom. Protons carry a positive charge, while neutrons carry no charge at all. Despite this difference in charge, both types of particles have almost the same mass and play crucial roles in the atom. Protons determine the identity of an element. For example:

• An element classified as Carbon will always have 6 protons.
• An element like Nickel will always have 28 protons.

Neutrons, on the other hand, contribute to the mass of an atom and influence its stability. Different numbers of neutrons in atoms of the same element create isotopes. These isotopes can vary in their stability and may result in different physical or chemical properties, but will still belong to the same element since the proton count remains unchanged.

Discovering Nickel: An Overview

Nickel, recognized by its symbol Ni, is an element with the atomic number 28. This means that every atom of Nickel has 28 protons in its nucleus. Nickel is classified as a transition metal on the periodic table and is situated in group 10 and period 4. Nickel's properties:

• It is known for its shiny silver-white appearance and is both ductile and malleable.
• Nickel is used extensively in alloys, batteries, and as a catalyst in various industrial applications.

Beyond its wide range of uses, Nickel’s unique electronic configuration endows it with good tensile strength and corrosion resistance. Understanding its position and properties helps in various fields, from material science to chemistry, showcasing its importance in both natural processes and industrial applications.