Question

answer the following below: explain what happens to an atom when the number of protons, neutrons, or electrons changes, while the number of the other two particles remains the same. what do you have to change in order to change the identity of an atom? find oxygen on the periodic table on the worksheet. why do you think the 8 represents the number of protons and not the number of electrons or neutrons? write a reply

Explanation:

The identity of an atom is determined by the number of protons, which is unique to each element. Changing the number of protons creates a different element. Changing the number of neutrons results in isotopes (same element with different mass - numbers). Changing the number of electrons creates ions (charged atoms). Oxygen has 8 protons, which is why its atomic number is 8. The periodic - table is arranged by atomic number (number of protons).

Answer:

When the number of protons changes, the identity of the atom changes to a different element. When the number of neutrons changes, an isotope of the same element is formed. When the number of electrons changes, an ion of the same element is formed. Oxygen on the periodic table has 8 as its atomic number because the number of protons defines the element's identity and oxygen has 8 protons. It is the number of protons and not neutrons or electrons that determines the element's position on the periodic table.