How many protons, neutrons, and electrons are in the following atoms? (d) ⁸⁰Br

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Identify the atomic number of bromine (Br) from the periodic table, which is 35. This tells us the number of protons in the atom.

Since the atom is neutral, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Therefore, there are 35 electrons.

The mass number of the given bromine isotope is 80, as indicated by the superscript.

Calculate the number of neutrons by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number: Neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number = 80 - 35.

Summarize the findings: The atom has 35 protons, 35 electrons, and the calculated number of neutrons.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Atomic Structure

Atoms consist of three primary subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons are positively charged and reside in the nucleus, while neutrons are neutral particles also found in the nucleus. Electrons are negatively charged and orbit the nucleus in electron shells. The number of protons defines the element, while the number of neutrons can vary, resulting in different isotopes.

Isotopes

Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. For example, the isotope represented by <sup>80</sup>Br has 35 protons (as it is bromine) and 45 neutrons (80 - 35 = 45). Understanding isotopes is crucial for determining the atomic mass and stability of an element.

Charge Balance

In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons, balancing the overall charge. For <sup>80</sup>Br, with 35 protons, there are also 35 electrons, ensuring the atom is electrically neutral. This concept is fundamental in understanding atomic behavior and chemical bonding, as the arrangement of electrons influences reactivity.

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