Q. 4.25 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Would you use the atomic number, mass number, or both to determine each of the following? 

a. number of protons in an atom 

b. number of neutrons in an atom 

c. number of particles in the nucleus 

d. number of electrons in a neutral atom 

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) The atomic number will be used to determine the number of protons in an atom.

(b) We'll utilize both to figure out how many neutrons are in an atom.

(c) We'll utilize both to figure out how many particles are in an atom.

(d) The atomic number will be used to calculate the number of electrons in a neutral atom.

Part a: Step 1: Given Information

We need to find out how to determine the number of protons in an atom.

Part a: Step 2: Explanation

As we know atomic number is equal to the number of protons in an atom. So,  we will use the atomic number to determine the number of protons in an atom. 

Part b: Step 1: Given Information

We need to find out how to determine the number of neutrons in an atom. 

Part b: Step 2: Explanation

The number of neutrons in an atom is calculated by subtracting atomic number from mass number. So, we will use both to determine the number of neutrons in an atom. 

Part c: Step 1: Given Information

We need to find out how to determine the number of particles in an atom.

Part c: Step 2: Explanation

As we know the number of particles in an atom is calculated by adding the number of neutrons and the number of protons. So, we will use both to determine the number of particles in an atom. 

Part d: Step 1: Given Information

We need to find out how to determine the number of electrons in a neutral atom. 

Part d: Step 2: Explanation

As we number of protons and electrons are equal in a neutral atom. So, we will use the atomic number to determine the number of electrons in a neutral atom.