Chapter 4, Problem 1ALQ

Knowing the number of protons in the atom of a neutral element enables you to determine which of the following?

1. the number of neutrons in the atom of the neutral element
2. the number of electrons in the atom of the neutral element
3. the name of the element
4. two of the above
5. none of the above

Explain.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: What can be determined, when the number of protons in the neutral atom is given, should be discussed.

Concept Introduction: The number of electrons and protons are same for all the neutral atoms of the same element, but atoms of a given element may have different numbers of neutrons. The number of protons in the nucleus is called Atomic number and the sum of number of protons and neutrons in a given nucleus is called Atomic mass.

Answer to Problem 1ALQ

Correct answer: d. two of the above.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for correct option:

The number of electrons and protons are same for all the neutral atoms of the same element. So if the number of protons is given, the number of electrons in the neutral atom can be determined.

The name of an element is determined by its position on the periodic table. The elements are listed in order by increasing atomic number in the modern periodic table.

Conclusion

Reasons for incorrect options: Answer a. is incorrect, because in order to find number of neutron in the neutral atom of the element, atomic mass should be given. Since atoms of a given element may have different numbers of neutrons.