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Ch.4 Atoms and Elements
Timberlake - Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry 14th Edition
Timberlake14thChemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9781292472249Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksTimberlake 14thCh.4 Atoms and ElementsProblem 95a
Chapter 4, Problem 95a

Complete the following statements:
a. The atomic number gives the number of _____ in the nucleus.

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Understand the concept of atomic number: The atomic number of an element is a fundamental property that defines the element. It represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
Recall that protons are positively charged particles located in the nucleus of an atom. The atomic number is unique for each element and determines its identity.
Note that the atomic number is also equal to the number of electrons in a neutral atom, as the positive charge of protons is balanced by the negative charge of electrons.
To complete the statement, recognize that the atomic number specifically refers to the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
Write the completed statement: 'The atomic number gives the number of protons in the nucleus.'

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Key Concepts

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

Atomic Number

The atomic number is a fundamental property of an element that indicates the number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom. It uniquely identifies an element and determines its position in the periodic table. For example, hydrogen has an atomic number of 1, meaning it has one proton.
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Protons

Protons are positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They play a crucial role in defining the identity of an element, as the number of protons determines the element's atomic number. For instance, an atom with two protons is helium, while one with six is carbon.
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Nucleus

The nucleus is the central core of an atom, containing protons and neutrons. It is responsible for most of the atom's mass and is held together by strong nuclear forces. The arrangement and number of particles in the nucleus influence the atom's stability and its chemical behavior.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Complete the following table for three of the naturally occurring isotopes of germanium, which is a metalloid used in semiconductor.

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Textbook Question

Complete the following table for the three naturally occurring isotopes of silicon, the major component in computer chips:

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Textbook Question

For each representation of a nucleus A through E, write the atomic symbol and identify which are isotopes.

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Textbook Question

Complete the following statements:

b. In an atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of _____.

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Textbook Question

Complete the following statements:

c. Sodium and potassium are examples of elements called _____.

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Textbook Question

Complete the following statements:

a. The number of protons and neutrons in an atom is also the _____ number.

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