Calcular PROTONES, NEUTRONES y ELECTRONES ⚛️ Número Másico y Atómico

Understanding the Basics of Atoms

Introduction to Atoms

• Susi introduces the topic of atoms, explaining that matter is composed of these fundamental units. She describes the basic structure of an atom, highlighting the nucleus and its components: protons and neutrons.

Components of an Atom

• Protons are identified as positively charged particles, denoted by "P+" while neutrons are neutral, represented as "N" or with a zero charge in superscript.

• Electrons are negatively charged particles found in orbitals around the nucleus, indicated by "E-" and continuously moving.

Atomic Notation

• The notation for elements includes a symbol (X), mass number (A), and atomic number (Z). A is placed above X and Z below it.

• Mass number (A) represents the total count of protons and neutrons, while atomic number (Z) indicates only the number of protons in an atom.

Neutral Atoms

• In neutral atoms like sodium, the quantity of protons equals that of electrons. This balance results in no overall charge on the atom.

• For sodium specifically, Susi explains that with 11 protons (indicated by Z), there are also 11 electrons due to neutrality.

Calculating Neutrons

• To find neutrons in an atom, subtract atomic number from mass number: Neutrons = A - Z.

• Using sodium as an example: if A is 23 and Z is 11, then Neutrons = 23 - 11 = 12.

Practice Calculating Atomic Particles

Example with Nitrogen

• Susi provides a practice example using nitrogen with a mass number of 14 and atomic number of 7.

• From this data: Protons = 7; Electrons = 7; Neutrons calculated as A - Z gives us Neutrons = 14 - 7 = 7.

Example with Aluminum

• Continuing with aluminum having a mass number of 27 and atomic number of 13:

• Protons = 13; Electrons = also equal to protons since it's neutral.