Question

of protons: 10

of neutrons: 11

of electrons: 10

what element is it?
neutral atoms neon

of protons: 3

of neutrons: 4

of electrons: 3

lithium neutral atoms

of protons:

of neutrons:

of electrons:

1. everything around us is made up of different elements. the air has oxygen (o) and nitrogen (n). plants have lots of carbon (c). helium (he) is in balloons. hydrogen (h) is in water. using the simulator, what subatomic particle determines the identity of the element? i.e., what changes a hydrogen atom into a helium atom?
2. what do you think makes an atom stable? what do you think makes an atom neutral?
3. notice how many electrons are in each “orbital”.

how many are allowed in the first orbital (the smallest)?
how many are allowed in the second?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall atomic - identity concept

The identity of an element is determined by the number of protons in its nucleus.

Step2: Recall atomic - stability and neutrality concepts

An atom is stable when its out - most electron shell is full. An atom is neutral when the number of protons (positively charged) is equal to the number of electrons (negatively charged).

Step3: Recall electron - orbital capacity

The first electron orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, and the second electron orbital can hold a maximum of 8 electrons.

Answer:

1. The subatomic particle that determines the identity of the element is the proton.
2. An atom is stable when its out - most electron shell is full. An atom is neutral when the number of protons equals the number of electrons.
3. The first orbital can hold 2 electrons. The second orbital can hold 8 electrons.