If only an element’s atomic number and weight are provided, what other atomic information can be determined for a neutral atom?(1 point)

Question

Responses which answer is correct and why

only the number of protons and neutrons
only the number of protons and neutrons

only the number of protons and electrons
only the number of protons and electrons

only the valence electrons
only the valence electrons

the number of protons, electrons and neutrons

Answer 1

The correct response is:

the number of protons, electrons and neutrons

Explanation:

1. Protons: The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus. Therefore, you can determine the number of protons directly from the atomic number.

2. Electrons: In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Thus, if you know the atomic number (which indicates the number of protons), you can also determine the number of electrons.

3. Neutrons: To find the number of neutrons, you can subtract the atomic number from the atomic weight (rounded to the nearest whole number). The atomic weight (typically a decimal) represents the average mass of an atom of that element, which is primarily due to protons and neutrons. The formula to calculate neutrons is: \[ \text{Neutrons} = \text{Atomic Weight (rounded)} - \text{Atomic Number} \]

Thus, knowing the atomic number and atomic weight allows you to determine the number of protons, electrons, and neutrons in a neutral atom.