Question

State the atomic number for each of the following elements: (a) rutherfordium (b) seaborgium (c) bohrium (d) copernicium

Short answer

Rutherfordium (Rf) has atomic number 104, seaborgium (Sg) has 106, bohrium (Bh) has 107, and copernicium (Cn) has 112.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction to Atomic Numbers

The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element. It's a unique identifier for each chemical element.

Identify Rutherfordium

Rutherfordium is a synthetic chemical element with the symbol Rf. Its atomic number, which represents the number of protons, is 104.

Identify Seaborgium

Seaborgium is a synthetic chemical element with the symbol Sg. The atomic number of seaborgium, representing its number of protons, is 106.

Identify Bohrium

Bohrium is a synthetic element with the symbol Bh. Its atomic number is 107, indicating it has 107 protons in its nucleus.

Identify Copernicium

Copernicium is represented by the symbol Cn and has an atomic number of 112, meaning it has 112 protons in its nucleus.

Key concepts

Chemical Elements

Chemical elements are the fundamental building blocks of matter. Each element is defined by the number of protons in its nucleus, known as its atomic number. These elements include everything from hydrogen, the simplest element with an atomic number of 1, to copernicium, one of the heaviest with an atomic number of 112.
Chemical elements are represented by symbols, like H for hydrogen or O for oxygen. Each symbol is unique, ensuring no confusion between elements.

• Elements can be metals, nonmetals, or metalloids based on their properties.
• They can combine to form compounds, which are the substances making up the world around us.

The variety of chemical elements and their combinations are what create all the different materials we encounter in our everyday lives.

Synthetic Elements

Synthetic elements are those that are not found naturally on Earth and are created in laboratories.

• These elements are produced by nuclear reactions, often by bombarding lighter elements with particles.
• Examples include rutherfordium, seaborgium, and bohrium, all of which were discovered through elaborate scientific experiments.

Creating synthetic elements is challenging due to their instability. They often have very short lifespans and decay into other elements. Despite this, synthetic elements are essential for scientific research and expanding our understanding of chemistry and nuclear physics.

Periodic Table

The periodic table is a comprehensive chart that organizes all chemical elements based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties.
The table's design enables easy recognition of element relationships and periodic trends. Each horizontal row is called a period, and each vertical column is called a group or family.

• Elements in the same group often have similar properties. For instance, noble gases like helium and neon are inert.
• The periodic table is constantly evolving. As new elements are discovered, they are added, extending our knowledge of elemental properties.

This tool is indispensable for scientists, providing a snapshot of the known chemical universe and guiding research and education.

Protons

Protons are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of every atom. Each proton carries a positive charge, and the number of protons in an atom's nucleus is equal to the atom's atomic number. This count determines the element's identity.

• The number of protons defines not only the element but also influences the atom's overall charge when compared to its electrons.
• A change in the number of protons transforms the atom into a different element, highlighting the importance of protons in the atomic structure.

Along with neutrons and electrons, protons are crucial in forming and defining atoms. Their presence and arrangement are fundamental to the chemical properties of elements and their interactions with one another.