Question

if you knew the number of protons in a given atom, how would that enable you to figure out the number of electrons in the atom?

Answer 1

Knowing the number of protons in an atom allows you to determine the number of electrons in a neutral atom, as these numbers are equal due to the electrical neutrality of atoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you know the number of protons in a given atom, you can use that information to determine the number of electrons in the atom, provided the atom is electrically neutral. The atomic number (Z) of an element, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, is also the number of electrons in a neutral atom of that element. For instance, hydrogen, with an atomic number of 1, has one proton, and in its neutral state, it also has one electron. Conversely, gold, with an atomic number of 79, has 79 protons and, when neutral, 79 electrons.

In summary, the number of protons in an atom is always equal to the number of electrons in a neutral atom. This is a fundamental characteristic that allows chemists to identify an element and predict its properties.

Answer 2

The number of protons and electrons are the same. The atomic number determines, the amount of electrons and protons in an atom.