Use the model to answer the following questions: the model contains 3 protons, 4 neutrons, and 3 electrons

What is the atomic number of the element?
What is the mass number of the element?
What is the name of the element?
How many electrons can each of the first 3 energy levels hold?

1 answer

Based on the information provided:

  1. Atomic Number: The atomic number of an element is determined by the number of protons. Since there are 3 protons, the atomic number is 3.

  2. Mass Number: The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Here, there are 3 protons and 4 neutrons, so the mass number is \(3 + 4 = 7\).

  3. Name of the Element: The element with an atomic number of 3 is Lithium (Li).

  4. Electrons in Energy Levels: The distribution of electrons in the first few energy levels follows these rules:

    • The 1st energy level can hold up to 2 electrons.
    • The 2nd energy level can hold up to 8 electrons.
    • The 3rd energy level can hold up to 18 electrons (but it typically holds 8 before starting to fill the fourth level).

For the configuration of Lithium (3 electrons):

  • 2 electrons in the 1st level.
  • 1 electron in the 2nd level.

Thus, the capacities are:

  • 1st level: 2 electrons
  • 2nd level: 8 electrons
  • 3rd level: 18 electrons

In summary:

  • Atomic Number: 3
  • Mass Number: 7
  • Element Name: Lithium
  • Electron Capacity: 1st level (2), 2nd level (8), 3rd level (18).