How to Calculate Protons

There are three main subatomic particles present in an atom: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons contain a positive charge, neutrons are electrically neutral, and electrons are negatively charged. Protons and neutrons make up the nucleus of an atom, and electrons float around in energy levels outside of the nucleus.

Things You'll Need

• Periodic chart of the elements

Instructions

1. Refer to your periodic chart (also called a table) of the elements.

2. Locate the element in question.

3. Determine the element's atomic number. If you are researching oxygen, its atomic number is eight. An element's atomic number is centered above its atomic symbol. An element's atomic number equals the number of protons present in its nucleus.

References

• Jefferson Lab: How many proton, electron and neutrons?
• Chemguide: A simple view of atomic structure.

Resources

• Los alamos national lab: Periodic Chart of the Elements.