Question

How many protons and electrons are contained in an atom of element 44?

Short answer

An atom of element 44, Ruthenium (Ru), contains 44 protons and 44 electrons.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the element with atomic number 44

To find the element with atomic number 44, we can refer to the periodic table of elements. Periodic table shows that element 44 is Ruthenium (Ru).

Determine the number of protons

Once we know the atomic number, we can find the number of protons in an atom of Ruthenium. The atomic number equals the number of protons. So, for Ruthenium, the number of protons is 44.

Determine the number of electrons

Since an atom is electrically neutral, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Thus, an atom of Ruthenium also has 44 electrons. So, an atom of element 44, Ruthenium, contains 44 protons and 44 electrons.

Key concepts

The Periodic Table

The periodic table is the Rosetta stone of chemistry, providing a systematic arrangement of all known elements based on their atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. The table is designed in a way that elements with similar chemical properties fall into the same column, known as a group, while rows are called periods. Elements in the same period have the same number of atomic orbitals. For instance, the element with atomic number 44, Ruthenium (Ru), is positioned in group 8 and period 5 of the table.

Understanding the layout of the periodic table is crucial because it reveals a lot about an element's properties and how it will react with others. Let's take another look at Ruthenium (Ru). Its location indicates it is a transition metal, which typically has high melting points and is able to form various oxidation states. This type of contextual knowledge makes the periodic table an indispensable tool for chemists and students alike.

Atomic Number

Atomic number is fundamentally important in the realm of chemistry. It uniquely identifies an element and dictates its position on the periodic table. The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons found in the nucleus of its atoms. Each element has a unique atomic number, meaning no two different elements share the same atomic number.

The atomic number is significant because it defines the identity of an element. For example, the atomic number 44 leads us directly to Ruthenium. The significance of the atomic number extends beyond identification; it also informs us about the electronic structure of an atom. Knowing the atomic number allows chemists to determine the number of electrons in a neutral atom and to predict how an element will interact with others during chemical reactions. This characteristic is at the heart of understanding chemistry at an elemental level.

Protons and Electrons

Protons are positively charged particles found within the atomic nucleus, and their number is equal to the atomic number of an element. For example, Ruthenium has 44 protons because its atomic number is also 44. Electrons, on the other hand, are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus in various energy levels or shells.

In a neutrally charged atom, the number of protons and electrons is equal, balancing out the overall electrical charge. So, for an atom of Ruthenium, there are also 44 electrons to balance the charge of the 44 protons. The behavior of electrons, especially those in the outermost shell (valence electrons), plays a vital role in chemical bond formation and reactions. This emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between protons and electrons in atomic structure and interactions.