Answer
(a) We cannot determine the number of neutrons in an atom given the number of protons because oftentimes, the number of neutrons varies from atom to atom, even if the atoms are of the same element. These atoms of the same element but with differing numbers of neutrons are called isotopes.
(b) Yes, we can determine the number of electrons if we know the number of protons in a neutral atom. In a neutral atom, the positive charges and negative charges must equal one another; therefore, this means that the number of electrons must equal the number of protons.
(c) Yes, we can determine which element the atom is given the number of protons. This is because the number of protons is also the atomic number of the element. If we know the number of protons, we can look up this number on the periodic table and get the name of the element.
Work Step by Step
(a) We cannot determine the number of neutrons in an atom given the number of protons because oftentimes, the number of neutrons varies from atom to atom, even if the atoms are of the same element. These atoms of the same element but with differing numbers of neutrons are called isotopes.
(b) Yes, we can determine the number of electrons if we know the number of protons in a neutral atom. In a neutral atom, the positive charges and negative charges must equal one another; therefore, this means that the number of electrons must equal the number of protons.
(c) Yes, we can determine which element the atom is given the number of protons. This is because the number of protons is also the atomic number of the element. If we know the number of protons, we can look up this number on the periodic table and get the name of the element.
