How to work out numbers of Protons, Neutrons and Electrons

Science Chomp
29 Sept 202003:58
EducationalLearning
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TLDRIn this informative video, the host teaches viewers how to determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom using the periodic table. The key is understanding the atomic number, which equals the number of protons and electrons, and the mass number, which is the sum of protons and neutrons. By using examples like magnesium and boron, the video clearly demonstrates how to calculate the number of neutrons, making complex atomic structure concepts accessible and easy to understand.

Takeaways
  • 📚 The periodic table displays elements with two numbers: a smaller atomic number and a larger mass number.
  • 🔢 The smaller number represents the atomic number, which is also the number of protons in an atom.
  • ⚡ The number of protons equals the number of electrons, maintaining electrical neutrality in atoms.
  • 🎯 The larger number is the mass number, also referred to as 'A number', indicating the total count of protons and neutrons.
  • 🧪 To find the number of neutrons, subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the mass number.
  • 🌟 Atoms are electrically neutral because the positive charge of protons is balanced by the negative charge of electrons.
  • 🔍 Always look for the smallest number on the periodic table to identify the atomic number.
  • 📈 The atomic number is found at the bottom or top of the element's box in the periodic table, not always at the top.
  • 🌐 The periodic table is a key tool for understanding the composition of atoms and their properties.
  • 📊 Examples provided in the script include calculations for elements like boron, magnesium, and an unnamed element with 7 protons.
  • 👋 The video is an educational resource for learning how to interpret and use the periodic table effectively.
Q & A

  • What are the two numbers found on the periodic table for each element?

    -The two numbers found on the periodic table for each element are the atomic number (smaller number) and the mass number (larger number).

  • What does the atomic number represent?

    -The atomic number represents the number of protons in an element, which is also equal to the number of electrons in a neutral atom.

  • Why do the number of protons equal the number of electrons in an atom?

    -The number of protons equals the number of electrons in an atom to balance the positive and negative charges, maintaining the atom's electrical neutrality.

  • What is the mass number also referred to as?

    -The mass number is also referred to as the 'A' number.

  • How can you calculate the number of neutrons in an atom?

    -You can calculate the number of neutrons in an atom by subtracting the atomic number (number of protons) from the mass number (total of protons and neutrons).

  • What is the atomic number of magnesium as given in the example?

    -The atomic number of magnesium, as given in the example, is 12.

  • How many protons and electrons does magnesium have?

    -Magnesium has 12 protons and, since it is electrically neutral, it also has 12 electrons.

  • What is the mass number of magnesium in the example?

    -The mass number of magnesium in the example is 24.

  • How many neutrons does magnesium have according to the example?

    -Magnesium has 12 neutrons, calculated by subtracting the atomic number (12) from the mass number (24).

  • What is the atomic number of boron as mentioned in the script?

    -The atomic number of boron, as mentioned in the script, is 5.

  • How many neutrons does boron have according to the example?

    -Boron has 6 neutrons, calculated by subtracting its atomic number (5) from the mass number (11).

  • Why is it important to always look for the smallest number on the periodic table when identifying an element?

    -It is important to always look for the smallest number on the periodic table because that number represents the atomic number, which is key to identifying the element and its properties.

Outlines
00:00
🌟 Understanding the Periodic Table and Atomic Structure

This paragraph introduces viewers to the basics of the periodic table and how to use it to determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom. It explains the significance of the atomic number (smaller number) as the number of protons, which equals the number of electrons for electrical neutrality. The mass number (larger number) represents the sum of protons and neutrons. The explanation includes examples of how to calculate the number of neutrons by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number, using elements like hydrogen and magnesium as illustrations.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Periodic Table
The Periodic Table is a tabular arrangement of the chemical elements, organized by atomic number, electron configurations, and recurring chemical properties. In the video, it is used as a tool to determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom, making it central to the theme of understanding atomic structure.
💡Atomic Number
The atomic number, also known as the proton number, is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. It defines the identity of an element and is always equal to the number of electrons in a neutral atom. In the video, the atomic number is the smaller number found on the periodic table and is crucial for determining the electrical neutrality of an atom.
💡Mass Number
The mass number is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. It is represented by the larger number on the periodic table and is used to differentiate isotopes of the same element. The video emphasizes calculating the mass number to understand the composition of an atom's nucleus.
💡Protons
Protons are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom, carrying a positive electric charge. The number of protons defines the element and, in a neutral atom, equals the number of electrons. Protons are a key concept in the video, as they are part of the atomic number and contribute to the mass number.
💡Electrons
Electrons are negatively charged subatomic particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom. They are essential for chemical reactions and bonding, and their number in a neutral atom is equal to the number of protons to balance the electrical charge. The video highlights the relationship between protons and electrons to maintain electrical neutrality.
💡Neutrons
Neutrons are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom that carry no electric charge. They, along with protons, contribute to the mass of the atom. The number of neutrons can vary among isotopes of the same element, and the video explains how to calculate the number of neutrons using the mass and atomic numbers.
💡Electrically Neutral
An atom is considered electrically neutral when the positive charge of the protons is balanced by the negative charge of the electrons. This balance is fundamental for the stability of atoms and is a central concept in the video, as it explains why the number of protons equals the number of electrons.
💡Isotopes
Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element which differ in neutron number, and consequently in nucleon number, but not in proton number. The video indirectly touches on this concept when explaining how the mass number can vary while the atomic number remains constant for a given element.
💡Nucleons
Nucleons are the particles that make up the nucleus of an atom, which include both protons and neutrons. The term is used in the context of calculating the mass number, which is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
💡Element Keys
Element keys refer to the symbols and numbers used on the periodic table to represent chemical elements. These keys include the atomic number and mass number, which are essential for identifying elements and their isotopes. The video script discusses these element keys as part of the process of working out the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
💡Z Number
The term 'Z number' refers to the atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. It is also the number of electrons in a neutral atom. The video script uses 'Z number' as an alternative term for the atomic number, which is a key concept for understanding the composition of atoms.
Highlights

Introduction to working with the periodic table to determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Explanation of the two numbers found on the periodic table: the atomic number (smaller number) and the mass number (larger number).

The atomic number is also known as the proton number, indicating the count of protons in an element.

The number of protons equals the number of electrons, maintaining electrical neutrality in atoms.

The mass number represents the combined total of protons and neutrons.

How to calculate the number of neutrons: subtract the atomic number from the mass number.

Example given: If an element has 7 as the mass number and 3 as the atomic number, there are 4 neutrons (7-3=4).

Demonstration using magnesium as an example, with an atomic number of 12 and mass number of 24, resulting in 12 neutrons (24-12=12).

Explanation that the atomic number can be found at the bottom or the top of the element's key on the periodic table.

Example with boron, having an atomic number of 11 and mass number of 5, resulting in 6 neutrons (11-5=6).

Emphasis on always looking for the smallest number on the periodic table to determine the atomic number.

The importance of understanding the relationship between protons, electrons, and neutrons for a comprehensive understanding of atomic structure.

The practical application of this knowledge in chemistry, particularly in understanding the composition of elements.

The significance of electrical neutrality in atoms and how it relates to the balance of protons and electrons.

The use of the periodic table as a fundamental tool in chemistry for identifying element properties and atomic structure.

The concept of nucleons, which refers to the collective term for protons and neutrons within an atom's nucleus.

The method for determining the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons presented in an easy-to-understand manner for educational purposes.

The conclusion and appreciation for the viewers' attention, emphasizing the simplicity of the process.

Transcripts

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