How To Determine The Number Of Protons Neutrons And Electrons In An Element
Image by gerd altmann from pixabay number of protons.
How to determine the number of protons neutrons and electrons in an element. If the charge is negative electrons are in excess. Simply subtract the number of protons the atomic number from the mass number to find the remaining neutrons. Of protons 17 of neutrons 37 17 20 of electrons 17 0 17. The easiest way to find the number of protons neutrons and electrons for an element is to look at the element s atomic number on the periodic table.
Great lets apply the rules to some examples. If the charge is positive there are more protons than electrons. The number of protons is equal to the number of electrons unless there s an ion superscript listed after the element. You can find the number of neutrons if you know the isotope of the atom.
Rules to finding number of protons neutrons and electrons of protons atomic number of neutrons mass number atomic number of electrons atomic number charge. To find the number of neutrons subtract the element s atomic number from its atomic mass the number listed underneath the element. If there isn t any number or signs then it means that atom has no charge and is neutral.