Question

Give the name and symbol for the element with this number of protons. a. 2 b. 19 c. 29

Short answer

a. Helium (He), b. Potassium (K), c. Copper (Cu).

Step-by-step solution

Identify Element a

For element a, we have 2 protons. The number of protons in an atom determines its atomic number. Looking at the periodic table, the element with atomic number 2 is Helium.

Identify Element b

For element b, we have 19 protons. The atomic number 19 corresponds to the element Potassium, which is represented by the symbol K on the periodic table.

Identify Element c

For element c, we have 29 protons. The element with atomic number 29 is Copper, which has the chemical symbol Cu.

Key concepts

Atomic Number

The atomic number is a fundamental concept in chemistry and physics, representing the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom. This number is crucial because it defines the identity of an element. Each element has a unique atomic number that distinguishes it from others. For example, if you consider Helium, Potassium, and Copper from the original exercise, their atomic numbers are 2, 19, and 29 respectively.
Understanding atomic numbers allows us to locate elements on the periodic table efficiently. By counting the protons, we can determine the specific position of an element without ambiguity. Protons are positively charged particles, and their count in an atom is critical to defining the element's identity.
In summary, next time you see the periodic table:

• Remember that the atomic number is the top number in each element's box.
• It tells you the number of protons, which determines the element's properties and categorization.

Chemical Symbols

Chemical symbols are shorthand representations of elements used in the periodic table and chemical equations. Each element is assigned a unique symbol, usually derived from its English name or its Latin root. These symbols are universally recognized, making communication in science consistent and clear.
For instance, the symbol for Helium is He, while Potassium is represented as K, derived from its Latin name 'Kalium.' Copper is symbolized as Cu, also from its Latin root 'Cuprum.' Understanding chemical symbols is essential for reading and writing chemical formulas and balancing equations.

• The first letter of a chemical symbol is always capitalized, while any subsequent letter is lowercase.
• Learning these symbols helps in accurately recognizing and predicting chemical reactions.

By familiarizing yourself with these symbols, you can quickly and efficiently work through chemical equations and grasp their implications in practical chemistry scenarios.

Elements Identification

Identifying elements is a fundamental skill in chemistry, which requires understanding both their atomic number and chemical symbol. On the periodic table, you can identify elements using these two key identifiers.
When you are given a number of protons, like in the original exercise, you can use this information to find the corresponding element by looking at the atomic number. For example, knowing that an element has 2 protons means you check the periodic table for the element in position 2—Helium.
Here's a simple way to identify elements:

• Use the atomic number to locate the element on the periodic table.
• Match the atomic number with the element's chemical symbol.
• Acknowledge the element's common and formal names.

This practice is essential in scientific studies and real-world applications like material science and biotechnology. By systematically using atomic numbers and chemical symbols, you can confidently identify elements and expand your knowledge of their properties and interactions.