A lithium atom has 3 protons, 3 electrons, and 3 neutrons. Match the term that applies to each of the following combinations from this term list. impossible, not lithium, lithium ion, isotope of lithium
3 protons, 2 electrons, 3 neutrons
3 protons, 3 electrons, 4 neutrons
4 protons, 3 electrons, 3 neutrons
3 protons, 3 electrons, 5 neutrons
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Here are the correct matches for each combination:
- 3 protons, 2 electrons, 3 neutrons → Lithium ion
- 3 protons, 3 electrons, 4 neutrons → Isotope of lithium
- 4 protons, 3 electrons, 3 neutrons → Not lithium
- 3 protons, 3 electrons, 5 neutrons → Isotope of lithium
Explanation:
Understanding Atomic Structure:
- The number of protons in an atom determines the element. Lithium has 3 protons in its nucleus.
- Neutrons contribute to atomic mass but do not change the element itself.
- Electrons determine charge: a neutral lithium atom has 3 electrons, but losing or gaining electrons creates an ion.
- Different numbers of neutrons create isotopes.
Answer Breakdown:
- 3 protons, 2 electrons, 3 neutrons → Lithium ion
- This atom has lost one electron, giving it a +1 charge (Li⁺).
- It is still lithium because the number of protons remains 3.
- 3 protons, 3 electrons, 4 neutrons → Isotope of lithium
- A typical lithium atom has 3 neutrons, but this one has 4.
- Since only the neutron count changed, this is an isotope of lithium (Lithium-7, Li-7).
- 4 protons, 3 electrons, 3 neutrons → Not lithium
- The number of protons determines the element.
- An atom with 4 protons is beryllium (Be), not lithium.
- 3 protons, 3 electrons, 5 neutrons → Isotope of lithium
- This is lithium because it has 3 protons.
- With 5 neutrons, it’s another isotope of lithium (Lithium-8, Li-8).
This demonstrates how protons define the element, electrons affect charge, and neutrons determine isotopes.