Do scientists know how many electrons an element has?

In summary, scientists know how many electrons an element has, as stated on the periodic table. The concept of shells of electrons in atoms is important in understanding the logic of atomic and molecular bonding, stability, and other characteristics. This concept is based on the fact that electrons cannot be in the exact same quantum state, leading them to arrange themselves into shells. While electrons are fermions, at low temperatures they can behave like bosons, as seen in superfluid liquid helium. Shells of electrons play a crucial role in explaining and unifying molecular phenomena, as well as determining the reactivity and characteristics of atoms in chemistry.
  • #1
Mk
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Do scientists know how many electrons an element has? Can someone explain why I was taught about shells of electrons in atoms?
 
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  • #2
An element in its nonionized state exist primarily as its most common isotope; that is with a specific number of electrons, protons, and neutrons.

You should review the introductory chapter on atomic orbitals; the history spanning the discovery of an electron up to the development of quantum mechanics should help you to understand the logic of shells and the importance in explaining and unifying molecular phenomenas.

The chapter on "shells" is rather complex and in depth. It pertains to atomic bonding theory, molecular bonding theory, and thus explains the stability/instability, color, structure etc...of molecules and atoms.

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  • #3
I think this is my first post in the Chemistry Forum!

Originally posted by Mk
Do scientists know how many electrons an element has?

Yes, we know how many electrons each element has. It is stated on the periodic table.

Can someone explain why I was taught about shells of electrons in atoms?

Two electrons, by their nature, cannot be in the exact same quantum state. For that reason, they arrange themselves into shells in an atom. These shells are solutions to the Schrodinger equation (the basic equation of nonrelativistic QM).
 
  • #4


Originally posted by Mk
Can someone explain why I was taught about shells of electrons in atoms?

The shells of electrons are very very important. Where the electrons are and in what orbit goes along way to determining the reactivity and characterisitics of the atom. Basically all of chemistry in all it's forms is mostly about what the electrons are doing in their orbitals.
 
  • #5


Originally posted by Tom
Yes, we know how many electrons each element has. It is stated on the periodic table.



Two electrons, by their nature, cannot be in the exact same quantum state. For that reason, they arrange themselves into shells in an atom. These shells are solutions to the Schrodinger equation (the basic equation of nonrelativistic QM).


not quite true, while electrons are Fermions, (Pauli exclusion principle. )

At low temperatures, bosons CAN behave differently than fermions because an unlimited number of them can collect into the same energy state. known as condesation

pairs of electrons on the other hand can act like bosons... (added in the edit)

eg superfluid liquid helium.
 
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1. How do scientists determine the number of electrons an element has?

Scientists use the atomic number of an element to determine the number of electrons it has. The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom, and since atoms are electrically neutral, this also represents the number of electrons.

2. Is the number of electrons in an element always the same?

Yes, the number of electrons in an element is always the same. The atomic number of an element is unique to that element and determines the number of protons and electrons it has.

3. Can scientists physically count the number of electrons in an element?

No, scientists cannot physically count the number of electrons in an element. Electrons are incredibly small and move very quickly, making them impossible to count individually.

4. How does the number of electrons affect an element's chemical properties?

The number of electrons in an element determines its reactivity and chemical properties. Elements with a full outer electron shell are stable and less reactive, while elements with a partially filled outer shell are more reactive and tend to form bonds with other elements to achieve a full outer shell.

5. Are there any exceptions to the number of electrons an element has based on its atomic number?

Yes, there are a few exceptions to the number of electrons an element has based on its atomic number. These exceptions occur in elements with partially filled d or f orbitals, which can hold more than the expected number of electrons due to their unique electronic configurations.

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