How to Tell the Number of Protons
Atomic structure, in the simplest terms, describes matter by defining the elemental composition. Atoms are composed of protons, neutrons and electrons. Elements in their neutral state have the same number of electrons and protons. The number of protons in the nucleus of the atom identifies the element. An example to aid in understanding is to examine hydrogen and helium. These two elements are the lightest two elements in existence. Both are colorless gases and are lighter than air. The difference between atoms of the two elements is that hydrogen has one proton in its nucleus and helium has two. Many elements exist in a number of isotopes that have slightly different masses but are still the same element because they have the same number of protons in their nucleus.
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Instructions
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Select an element from the periodic table and collect the information about it. Find the atomic number of the element and the weight of the element. Each element has its own atomic number and its own atomic weight.
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Recognize that the nucleus of the atom is comprised of protons and neutrons. Together these subatomic particles of matter make up the weight of the atom. The nucleus of the atom is where the positive charge of the atom resides and the number of electrons orbiting the nucleus exactly balances the amount of positive charge. There are the same number of protons and electrons in the atom, thus yielding a neutral atom.
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Determine the number of protons in the nucleus of the atom by finding the number of electrons in the neutral atom. The neutral atom has the same number of electrons as the atomic number from the periodic table. To maintain a neutral atom there must be the same number of protons in the nucleus as there are electrons. Therefore, the atom has the same number of protons in the nucleus as the atomic number of the element.
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References
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