Questions About Atoms: Protons & Neutrons

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In summary, scientists have determined the composition of isotopes of elements such as iron and oxygen through mass spectroscopy, which measures the charge and mass of particles. This method has revealed that the more common isotope of iron has 26 protons and 30 neutrons, while oxygen has 8 protons and 8 neutrons. The most stable isotope of oxygen has 8 neutrons, but there are also other isotopes present in smaller quantities. This information can be found in a book on nuclear particles, specifically on page 15.
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fluidistic
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How did we know that the more common isotope of iron has 26 protons and 30 neutrons?
I'm asking a general question so the iron example is just a special case.
How did we know that oxygen has 8 protons? (and 8 neutrons), and also that the 8 neutrons is the most stable isotope and that there exists other isotopes in smaller quantities. How did we determine the quantities of the isotopes?
 
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mass spectroscopy = charge vs. mass
 
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Thanks a lot. I wasn't aware of this.
 

Related to Questions About Atoms: Protons & Neutrons

1. How many protons and neutrons are in an atom?

An atom typically has an equal number of protons and neutrons. The number of protons is referred to as the atomic number and determines the element, while the number of neutrons can vary within the same element, creating isotopes.

2. What is the charge of a proton and neutron?

A proton has a positive charge, while a neutron has no charge. The charge of an atom is determined by the number of protons and electrons, with protons having a positive charge and electrons having a negative charge.

3. How do protons and neutrons differ?

Protons and neutrons are both subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. The main difference is that protons have a positive charge, while neutrons have no charge. Additionally, protons determine the element and atomic number, while neutrons affect the stability and mass of the atom.

4. How does the number of protons affect the properties of an atom?

The number of protons in an atom determines its element and thus its properties. Elements with a higher number of protons tend to have a larger atomic size and a higher density. The number of protons also affects the chemical reactivity and stability of an atom.

5. Can protons and neutrons be added or removed from an atom?

Yes, protons and neutrons can be added or removed from an atom, but this process is known as nuclear fusion or fission and requires a significant amount of energy. Changing the number of protons in an atom would result in a different element, while changing the number of neutrons would create an isotope of the same element.

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