Number of protons and electrons

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to determine the number of protons and neutrons in an element without using the periodic table. Participants explore the challenges and limitations of identifying these quantities, particularly in relation to isotopes and the historical context of the periodic table's formation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how to find the number of protons and neutrons without a periodic table, suggesting that a mass spectrometer is not a viable option.
  • Another participant asserts that it is impossible to determine these numbers without looking them up, emphasizing that elements are defined by their protons and electrons.
  • Some participants note that the existence of isotopes complicates the determination of neutrons for a given element.
  • There is a suggestion that the periodic table was created based on the principle of electrical neutrality, where the number of protons equals the number of electrons.
  • A participant inquires about how the number of electrons was historically determined.
  • One participant humorously mentions the memorization of these facts in high school chemistry, implying a level of frustration with the learning process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that determining the number of protons and neutrons without a periodic table is not feasible. However, there are differing views on the historical methods used to ascertain these numbers and the implications of isotopes.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in understanding the historical context of the periodic table and the definitions of elements, as well as the complexities introduced by isotopes.

onurbeyaz
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How can I find the number of protons and neutrons of any element without looking the periodic table. And I need them each so mass spectrometer won't work

Edit: I noticed that my title is wrong, explanation of the number of electrons are not needed
 
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You need to look it up, I'm afraid. There is no rule.
 
That is impossible... Are you asking something like:
Given Oxygen how many protons/neutrons does it have??
There is no way in fact- afterall the names are given to each element because of different reasons, and also the elements are placed in the periodic table by the number of their electrons (or protons).
The thing is even worse for the neutrons, since you can also have for the same element, many isotopes.
 
ChrisVer said:
That is impossible... Are you asking something like:
Given Oxygen how many protons/neutrons does it have??
There is no way in fact- afterall the names are given to each element because of different reasons, and also the elements are placed in the periodic table by the number of their electrons (or protons).
The thing is even worse for the neutrons, since you can also have for the same element, many isotopes.

Ok, so only the number of protons will be enough too. In other words, how did they know the number of protons in elements when they were forming the periodical table?
 
because the elements had to be electrically neutral. The periodic table is created with electrons...So the number of electrons= number of protons --> overall charge 0.
 
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And how did they found the numbers of electrons
 
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They made us memorize this in high school chemistry class. Sometimes there's just no substitute for torture. :)
 

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