Question

How many protons and electrons are there in a neutral atom of each of the following elements? a. carbon b. fluorine c. calcium d. sulfur

Short answer

A neutral carbon atom has 6 protons and 6 electrons; fluorine has 9 protons and 9 electrons; calcium has 20 protons and 20 electrons; sulfur has 16 protons and 16 electrons.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Atomic Neutrality

For a neutral atom, the number of protons is equal to the number of electrons. This balance ensures that the atom has no overall charge.

Determining Proton and Electron Numbers

The number of protons in an atom can be found by looking at the atomic number of the element on the periodic table. Since the atom is neutral, this number also tells us the number of electrons.

Carbon

Carbon has an atomic number of 6. Therefore, a neutral carbon atom has 6 protons and 6 electrons.

Fluorine

Fluorine has an atomic number of 9. Therefore, a neutral fluorine atom has 9 protons and 9 electrons.

Calcium

Calcium has an atomic number of 20. Therefore, a neutral calcium atom has 20 protons and 20 electrons.

Sulfur

Sulfur has an atomic number of 16. Therefore, a neutral sulfur atom has 16 protons and 16 electrons.

Key concepts

atomic number

The atomic number of an element is a crucial concept in understanding atoms. It's the number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom. This number defines the element and its position on the periodic table. For instance, in the solution provided, we have elements like carbon, fluorine, calcium, and sulfur. Each of these elements has a unique atomic number. Carbon's atomic number is 6, which means it has 6 protons in its nucleus. The atomic number is represented by the symbol Z. Knowing the atomic number helps us identify elements and predict their chemical behavior. Moreover, it also gives us the number of electrons in a neutral atom, as the number of electrons equals the number of protons.

protons

Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They, along with neutrons, make up the mass of the nucleus. The number of protons (the atomic number) is what makes each element unique. In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons, ensuring the atom has no overall charge.
Protons have the following characteristics:

• Positive charge
• Mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu)
• Located in the nucleus

For example, in a neutral atom of carbon, there are 6 protons. Similarly, fluorine has 9, calcium has 20, and sulfur has 16 protons. Without protons, an atom cannot sustain its identity as a specific element.

electrons

Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom. They have a very small mass compared to protons and neutrons, but they play a significant role in chemical reactions and bonding. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons.
Key points about electrons:

• Negative charge
• Negligible mass compared to protons and neutrons
• Located in energy levels or shells around the nucleus

In our examples, a neutral carbon atom has 6 electrons, fluorine has 9, calcium has 20, and sulfur has 16. These electrons orbit the nucleus and are essential for the chemical properties of the element.

periodic table

The periodic table is a systematic arrangement of all known elements in order of increasing atomic number. It was developed to provide a comprehensive framework to understand elemental properties and relationships. Each element on the periodic table is represented by its atomic number, symbol, name, and atomic mass.
The periodic table helps in:

• Identifying elements
• Predicting chemical behavior
• Understanding electron configuration

For instance, carbon (atomic number 6), fluorine (atomic number 9), calcium (atomic number 20), and sulfur (atomic number 16) are all positioned according to their atomic numbers. This arrangement helps us quickly determine the number of protons and electrons in neutral atoms of these elements. The periodic table is an essential tool for anyone studying chemistry or related sciences.