identify the following elements as metal, nonmetal, or metalloid a. copper b. sulfur c. sodium 3. How many protons, neutrons and electrons are in the following isotope:
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Let’s break this down step by step.
Part 1: Identifying Elements as Metal, Nonmetal, or Metalloid
a) Copper (Cu): Copper is a metal. It is a good conductor of heat and electricity, and it has characteristic properties like malleability and ductility, which are common to metals.
b) Sulfur (S): Sulfur is a nonmetal. It is an insulator (does not conduct heat or electricity) and has properties like being brittle in its solid form. Nonmetals are often characterized by poor conductivity and varying physical states.
c) Sodium (Na): Sodium is a metal. It is an alkali metal, soft, and highly reactive, especially with water. It is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity.
Part 2: Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons in an Isotope
Let’s say the isotope in question is Carbon-14 (¹⁴C), a commonly discussed isotope. We’ll use this example, but the process is applicable to any isotope.
For Carbon-14 (¹⁴C):
- Protons: The number of protons in an element is equal to its atomic number. Carbon has an atomic number of 6, so it has 6 protons.
- Neutrons: The number of neutrons can be found by subtracting the atomic number (which is the number of protons) from the atomic mass number (the mass number of the isotope). For Carbon-14, the atomic mass number is 14. [
\text{Neutrons} = \text{Mass Number} – \text{Atomic Number} = 14 – 6 = 8 \text{ neutrons}
] - Electrons: In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons. So, Carbon-14 will have 6 electrons.
Explanation:
- Protons: These are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. The number of protons determines the element’s identity (its atomic number).
- Neutrons: These are neutral particles also located in the nucleus. Neutrons and protons together contribute to the atom’s mass number, which is the total number of protons and neutrons.
- Electrons: These are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus in electron shells. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons.
So, for Carbon-14:
- Protons: 6
- Neutrons: 8
- Electrons: 6