What make an atom that has 3 protons, 4 neutrons, and 3 electrons
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
An atom that has 3 protons, 4 neutrons, and 3 electrons is a lithium atom, specifically the lithium-7 isotope.
Explanation
Atoms are composed of three main subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. The number of protons in an atom determines the element. This number is called the atomic number.
In this case, the atom has 3 protons. Looking at the periodic table, the element with atomic number 3 is lithium (Li). Therefore, this atom is a lithium atom.
The mass number of an atom is the total number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus. Here, the atom has:
- 3 protons
- 4 neutrons
So, the mass number = 3 + 4 = 7. This gives us the isotope lithium-7 (⁷Li), which is the most common and stable isotope of lithium found in nature.
The electrons in an atom determine its charge. A neutral atom has the same number of electrons as protons. Since this atom has 3 electrons, and it also has 3 protons, it is electrically neutral—meaning it is a neutral lithium-7 atom.
To summarize:
- Element: Lithium
- Atomic number: 3 (from number of protons)
- Mass number: 7 (3 protons + 4 neutrons)
- Isotope: Lithium-7 (⁷Li)
- Charge: Neutral (3 protons balanced by 3 electrons)
This information helps scientists identify not only the element, but also its isotope and charge state. Understanding atomic structure is fundamental in chemistry and physics because it governs how atoms bond, react, and form the substances that make up all matter.
