Chapter 39, Problem 38A

To determine

The effect of adding one proton and one neutron on atomic mass and atomic number in the nucleus and the factor that determines the chemical nature of the element.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The atomic number of the element is same as the number of protons in the nucleus of the element. The atomic mass is the mass of proton and neutron in the nucleus.

If a proton is added to nucleus of the element then the number of proton in that nucleus increase and nucleus of element converts to the nucleus of different element. So., the atomic number of element increased by one.

If a neutron is added to nucleus of the element then the atomic mass of the element increases. So, the atomic mass of element increased by one unit.

The number of proton determines the atomic number, atomic mass and net charge on the atom. So, proton determines the chemical nature of the element.

Conclusion:

Thus, the atomic number of element increases by one due to addition of one proton, the atomic mass of element increases by one due to addition of one neutron in the nucleus of element and proton determines the chemical nature of the element.