Question

1. if you know only the following information can you always determine what the element is? (yes/no)

a. number of protons
b. number of neutrons
c. number of electrons in a neutral atom
d. number of electrons

Explanation:

Step1: Recall element - defining property

The atomic number (number of protons) defines an element. Each element has a unique number of protons.

Step2: Analyze number of neutrons

Different isotopes of an element have different numbers of neutrons. So just knowing the number of neutrons is not enough to identify an element.

Step3: Analyze number of electrons in neutral atom

In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons. So it can identify the element.

Step4: Analyze number of electrons

Ions have a different number of electrons from protons. So just knowing the number of electrons is not enough to identify an element.

Answer:

a. Yes
b. No
c. Yes
d. No