Really basic netron/ electron stuff

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying chemical elements based on their atomic structure, specifically the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Participants explore the implications of these numbers on the elements' identities and charges, engaging in a mix of theoretical and conceptual clarification.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the element with 3 protons and 4 neutrons is Lithium, while others confirm this identification.
  • There is contention regarding the element with 20 protons and 18 electrons, with some asserting it is Calcium, while others suggest it could be Argon or Oxygen based on the context.
  • Participants discuss the implications of having 10 electrons with a net charge of -2, leading to questions about the number of protons required.
  • One participant states that an atom with 6 protons is always called Carbon, but this is challenged by others who point out inconsistencies with the charge described.
  • There is a correction regarding the identification of elements based on the charge and number of protons and electrons, with some participants questioning the accuracy of earlier claims.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not reach consensus on the identification of all elements discussed, with multiple competing views remaining on certain points, particularly regarding the element with 20 protons and the implications of charge in the context of 6 protons and 8 electrons.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the dependence on definitions of atomic structure and unresolved questions about the implications of charge on element identification. The discussion reflects various interpretations of the original questions posed.

Roxy
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Write the symbol for these:

a) 3 protons, 4 neutrons & 3 electrons...is it Lithium?
b) 20 protons, mass number 40 and 18 electrons...is it Argon or oxygen??
c) 10 electrons, net charge of 2- ...I have no clue
d) 6 protons, 8 electrons, no charge...?
 
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Compute Z (atomic number) which identifies the element in the Periodic System and then A will tell u which isotope is ...

Remember that the nomber of PROTONS specifies the chemical element... :wink:

Daniel.
 
The chemical properties of an atom are only determined by its atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus. The number of neutrons affects the mass of the atom, but that doesn't directly affect its chemistry. The number of electrons is variable; atoms can lose electrons, or gain additional electrons. This affects the atom's charge, but does not change its chemical nature.

a) The atom with 3 protons (forget the rest of the numbers) is always called Lithium, abbreviated Li. By convention, the mass of the atom is written as a subscript. The mass of this atom is 3 protons + 4 neutrons = 7 total nucleons. The mass of the electrons is very small and usually ignored.

The atom with 20 protons (forget the rest of the numbers) is always called Calcium. (Look on your periodic table for atomic number 20.) You already know where the mass is written -- as a subscript. The charge is conventionally written as a superscript. In this case, there are 20 protons and only 18 electrons, so there are two units of "extra" positive charge. Write +2 as a superscript.

c) Electrons are negatively charged and protons are positively charged. If you have one electron and one proton, there is no total charge -- the charges cancel. If an atom has 10 electrons, and an overall charge of -2, how many protons must it have?

d) An atom with 6 protons is always called...? (Look up atomic number 6 on your periodic table.)

- Warren
 
dextercioby said:
Compute Z (atomic number) which identifies the element in the Periodic System and then A will tell u which isotope is ...

Remember that the nomber of PROTONS specifies the chemical element... :wink:

Daniel.

Umm..so is this right?

A) lithium
b)Calcium
c) ?
d)carbon

Are these right?

*edit* i did not see the last post
 
chroot said:
The chemical properties of an atom are only determined by its atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus. The number of neutrons affects the mass of the atom, but that doesn't directly affect its chemistry. The number of electrons is variable; atoms can lose electrons, or gain additional electrons. This affects the atom's charge, but does not change its chemical nature.

a) The atom with 3 protons (forget the rest of the numbers) is always called Lithium, abbreviated Li. By convention, the mass of the atom is written as a subscript. The mass of this atom is 3 protons + 4 neutrons = 7 total nucleons. The mass of the electrons is very small and usually ignored.

The atom with 20 protons (forget the rest of the numbers) is always called Calcium. (Look on your periodic table for atomic number 20.) You already know where the mass is written -- as a subscript. The charge is conventionally written as a superscript. In this case, there are 20 protons and only 18 electrons, so there are two units of "extra" positive charge. Write +2 as a superscript.

c) Electrons are negatively charged and protons are positively charged. If you have one electron and one proton, there is no total charge -- the charges cancel. If an atom has 10 electrons, and an overall charge of -2, how many protons must it have?

d) An atom with 6 protons is always called...? (Look up atomic number 6 on your periodic table.)

- Warren

c) 8 protons..Oxygen?
 
Roxy:

You got it. Your teacher might be expecting you to not only name the elements, but to also write their symbols, complete with mass and charge. Do you have that figured out?

- Warren
 
yup, thank you :biggrin:
 
Roxy said:
d) 6 protons, 8 electrons, no charge...?

That doesn't make sense...At this elementary level,the charges can come only from electrons & protons,so the total/net charge is "-2"... :wink:

Daniel.
 
(d) is incorrect.
 
  • #10
Roxy said:
A) lithium
This is right.
Roxy said:
b)Calcium
This is not just an element. You said in a post before this you knew what you needed to do. What is that?
Roxy said:
c) ?
It is oxygen but not just an element. Again, what is it?
Roxy said:
d)carbon
Nope and the original question suggests you would have no charge when there is a net charge of -2 (because there are 2 more electrons than protons). You might want to check the original question you got.

The Bob (2004 ©)
 
  • #11
Gokul43201 said:
(d) is incorrect.
Just to clarify, I meant "question (d) is incorrect".
 
  • #12
The Bob said:
You might want to check the original question you got.
Gokul43201 said:
Just to clarify, I meant "question (d) is incorrect".
Yeap. I know. :smile:

The Bob (2004 ©)
 

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