Question

An atom of an element contains 14 protons. Which element is it?

Short answer

The given atom has 14 protons, which corresponds to an atomic number of 14. Referring to the periodic table, the element with an atomic number of 14 is Silicon (Si).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the number of protons in the atom

The given atom of an element has 14 protons in it.

Find the element with the same atomic number

The element with 14 protons corresponds to an atomic number of 14. By referring to the periodic table, we can identify the element with an atomic number of 14.

Determine the element

The element with an atomic number of 14 is Silicon (Si). So, the given atom belongs to the element Silicon (Si).

Key concepts

Understanding the Periodic Table

The periodic table is a comprehensive chart that organizes all known chemical elements in an informative array. Elements are listed in order of increasing atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

Each element has a unique place on the table, sorted into rows called 'periods' and columns known as 'groups' or 'families'. These arrange elements with similar properties and behaviors together, making the table an essential tool for chemists and students alike. The periodic table not only enables you to identify an element, like in the given exercise, but also offers insights into the element's properties, such as reactivity and state of matter at room temperature.

Decoding Atomic Structure

The atomic structure of an element is key to understanding its identity and properties. In the simplest terms, an atom consists of a nucleus, made up of protons and neutrons, and electrons that orbit the nucleus in various energy levels or 'shells'.

Protons carry a positive charge, neutrons are neutral, and electrons carry a negative charge. The number of protons determines the atomic number and defines the type of element. For example, an atom with 14 protons will always be a silicon atom, as per the periodic table.

Counting Protons in an Atom

Protons are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom that, along with neutrons, make up the mass of the atom. The number of protons in an atom is known as the atomic number, which is pivotal for element identification.

In our exercise, the atom has 14 protons, directly indicating that its atomic number is 14. This atomic number is unique to each element, which means no two different elements can have the same number of protons. Counting protons is one of the fundamental steps in determining the identity of an atom.

Element Identification

Identifying an element involves using its defining properties, with the atomic number being the most crucial. Given the atomic number, one can quickly refer to the periodic table to find the corresponding element.

For our case, with an atomic number of 14, we identify the element as silicon (Si). This method is universally applicable and allows for easy and precise identification of elements whether you are in a laboratory setting or solving chemistry exercises.