Use the Periodic Table above to answer the question that follows:

Germanium (Ge) is element 32 on the Periodic Table. If a proton is added to the nucleus of germanium, what outcome(s) would occur? Select both that apply.

1 answer

When a proton is added to the nucleus of germanium (Ge), which has an atomic number of 32, the following outcomes would occur:

  1. It would become a different element: Adding a proton to germanium increases its atomic number from 32 to 33, transforming it into arsenic (As).

  2. The atomic mass would increase: The atomic mass of the new element (arsenic) would be higher than that of germanium since it now contains one more proton.

In summary, adding a proton to germanium would result in it becoming arsenic and increasing in atomic mass.