Question

subatomic particles
complete the table below by counting the number
of subatomic particles for the 5 listed elements.
once you complete the table use the information
to help you answer the questions below.

element | # of protons | # of electrons | # of neutrons | total # of particles
c | | | |
k | | | |
fe | | | |
ba | | | |
se | | | |

how many more protons does an atom of potassium, k... than an atom of carbon, c?

Explanation:

Step1: Find proton count for each element

Protons = atomic number (from periodic table):

• C: $6$
• K: $19$
• Fe: $26$
• Ba: $56$
• Se: $34$

Step2: Find electron count for each element

Neutral atoms have electrons = protons:

• C: $6$
• K: $19$
• Fe: $26$
• Ba: $56$
• Se: $34$

Step3: Find neutron count for each element

Neutrons = mass number (most common isotope) - protons:

• C: $12 - 6 = 6$
• K: $39 - 19 = 20$
• Fe: $56 - 26 = 30$
• Ba: $137 - 56 = 81$
• Se: $79 - 34 = 45$

Step4: Calculate total particles per element

Total = protons + electrons + neutrons:

• C: $6 + 6 + 6 = 18$
• K: $19 + 19 + 20 = 58$
• Fe: $26 + 26 + 30 = 82$
• Ba: $56 + 56 + 81 = 193$
• Se: $34 + 34 + 45 = 113$

Step5: Answer the proton difference question

Subtract C protons from K protons:
$19 - 6 = 13$

Answer:

Completed Table:

Element	# of Protons	# of Electrons	# of Neutrons	Total # of Particles
K	19	19	20	58
Fe	26	26	30	82
Ba	56	56	81	193
Se	34	34	45	113

Question Answer:

Potassium has 13 more protons than Carbon.