Chapter 4, Problem 69A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : The number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom is to be determined.

Concept Introduction : Atoms are fundamental tiny particles that act as the building block of matter.

Answer to Problem 69A

The atomic number of an atom will give the count of protons and electrons for that atom.

The difference between mass number and atomic number of an atom will give the count of neutrons for that atom.

Explanation of Solution

The atomic number of an element is the total number of protons in its atom's nucleus. The protons and neutrons in an atom are added to determine the mass number.The atomic number of an atom will give the count of protons and electrons for that atom.

The difference between mass number and an atomic number of an atom will give the count of neutrons for that atom.

So, it is given by the following expressions:

  $\begin{array}{c}\text{Number}\text{of}\text{electrons}\text{=}\text{Atomic}\text{number}\\ \text{Number}\text{of}\text{protons}\text{=}\text{Atomic}\text{number}\\ \text{Number}\text{of}\text{neutrons}\text{=}\text{Mass}\text{number}-\text{Atomic}\text{number}\end{array}$