EXAMPLE PROBLEM 4–1

Using Atomic Number

Complete the following table.

Composition of Several Elements

Element Atomic number Protons Electrons

a. Pb 82 ___ ___

b. ___ ___ 8 ___

c. ___ ___ ___ 30

1. Analyze the Problem

You are given the information in the table. Apply the relationship
among atomic number, number of protons, and number of electrons
to complete most of the table. Once the atomic number is known, use
the periodic table to identify the element.

2. Solve for the Unknown

Apply the atomic number relationship and then consult the periodic
table to identify the element.
a. Atomic number ! number of protons ! number of electrons
82 ! number of protons ! number of electrons
Element 82 is lead (Pb).
b. Atomic number ! number of protons ! number of electrons
Atomic number ! 8 ! number of electrons
Element 8 is oxygen (O).
c. Atomic number ! number of protons ! number of electrons
Atomic number ! number of protons ! 30
Element 30 is zinc (Zn).
The completed table is shown below.

Composition of Several Elements

Element Atomic number Protons Electrons

a. Pb 82 82 82

b. O 8 8 8
c. Zn 30 30 30

3. Evaluate the Answer

The answers agree with atomic numbers and element symbols given
in the periodic table.

PRACTICE PROBLEMS
e!
11. How many protons and electrons are in each of the following atoms? Practic For more practice with
problems using atomic
a. boron c. platinum numbers, go to
b. radon d. magnesium Supplemental Practice
12. An atom of an element contains 66 electrons. What element is it? Problems in Appendix A.

13. An atom of an element contains 14 protons. What element is it?

4.3 How Atoms Differ 99