To calculate the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom, you will need to know the atomic number (Z) and the mass number (A) of the element.
The atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom, which also determines the element's identity. The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom.
1. Protons (p+): The number of protons (p+) in an atom is equal to the atomic number (Z).
2. Neutrons (n0): The number of neutrons (n0) in an atom can be calculated by subtracting the number of protons (p+) from the mass number (A).
n0 = A - p+
3. Electrons (e−): In a neutral atom, the number of electrons (e−) is equal to the number of protons (p+).
For example, let's calculate the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons for carbon (C), which has an atomic number of 6 and a mass number of 12.
Protons (p+): Number of protons = Atomic number = 6
Neutrons (n0): Number of neutrons = Mass number - Number of protons = 12 - 6 = 6
Electrons (e−): Number of electrons = Number of protons = 6
Therefore, for carbon (C), there are 6 protons, 6 neutrons, and 6 electrons.
Calculating the numbers of protons, neutrons and electrons
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