Can Atoms Have More Electrons Than Protons?

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SUMMARY

Atoms can have more electrons than protons, resulting in anions, while cations have fewer electrons than protons. The number of protons (Z) defines the element, while the difference between protons and electrons indicates the charge of the atom. Electron configuration, determined by the Aufbau principle, dictates an atom's position in the periodic table. Isotopes of the same element differ only in neutron count, as demonstrated with atoms C and D, both having 13 protons but differing in neutrons.

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hi.
is it Possible that in atoms can be more electrons than Protons?

is not must to be Equal?

thanks
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
Have you heard about ions? Cations? Anions?
 
oh yes thanks that truth.

THNAKS
 
but how can i know what is the Populated electronic level of Each atoms?

what is the Index fo this?
thanks
 
Not sure what you are asking about. Number of electrons in neutral atom is given by Z (nucleus charge), electron configuration can be found using Aufbau principle.
 
well let take Example:
we have atom A and atom B.
atom A have 15 Protons 18 Electrons and 16 Neutrons
atom B have 20 Protons 18 Electrons and 20 Neutrons.
so u can say that they are in the same Group?
or have the same Energy levels of Electron?

thanks.
 
Not only are they not in the same group, they are in different periods. It is the electron configuration of the neutral atom that determines its place in the periodic table, and consequentially the nucleus charge.

They do have the same electron configuration, however, but the electrons in atom B are much more tightly bound to the nucleus then the electrons in atom A.
 
Number of protons defines element, difference between number of protons and electrons defines charge and shows whether you have an ion (and what ion).
 
ok so if i have
atom C with 13 Protons 13 Electrons and 15 Neutrons
and atom D with 13 Protons 13 Electrons 14 Neutrons
i can say they are from the same element?
 
  • #10
Yes, it is the same element, but different isotopes.
 
  • #11
ok thank you so much
both of u.
 

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