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Chapter 2: Problem 40

Naturally occurring lithium is a mixture of \({ }_{3}^{6} \mathrm{Li}\) and \({ }_{3}^{7} \mathrm{Li}\). Give the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in the neutral atom of each isotope.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Both isotopes have 3 protons and 3 electrons; \( {}_{3}^{6} \text{Li} \) has 3 neutrons, and \( {}_{3}^{7} \text{Li} \) has 4 neutrons.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Protons

The number of protons in an atom is equal to its atomic number. For lithium, the atomic number is 3. Therefore, both isotopes \[ {}_{3}^{6} ext{Li} \] and \[ {}_{3}^{7} ext{Li} \] have 3 protons.
02

Calculating Neutrons for \( {}_{3}^{6} ext{Li} \)

The number of neutrons is calculated by subtracting the number of protons from the mass number, which is the superscript in the isotope symbol. Thus for \( {}_{3}^{6} ext{Li} \), we have \( 6 - 3 = 3 \) neutrons.
03

Calculating Neutrons for \( {}_{3}^{7} ext{Li} \)

Similarly, for \( {}_{3}^{7} ext{Li} \), we subtract the number of protons from the mass number: \( 7 - 3 = 4 \) neutrons.
04

Determining Electrons for Neutral Atoms

In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Therefore, both \( {}_{3}^{6} ext{Li} \) and \( {}_{3}^{7} ext{Li} \) have 3 electrons, as they each have 3 protons.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Atomic Structure
Atomic structure is a fundamental concept in chemistry and physics, defining the arrangement of subatomic particles within an atom. An atom is composed of three primary particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. These particles give the atom its identity and functionality.
  • Nucleus: The central part of the atom, consisting of protons and neutrons. It accounts for nearly all the atom's mass.
  • Electron Cloud: Surrounding the nucleus is the electron cloud, a region where electrons move freely.
  • Isotopes: Variants of a particular chemical element, differing in neutron number while keeping the proton number constant. For example, the lithium isotopes \({}_3^{6}\mathrm{Li}\) and \({}_3^{7}\mathrm{Li}\) are distinguished by different numbers of neutrons.
Recognizing an atom's structure is crucial for understanding chemical behavior and reactions. It forms the basis for grasping atomic interactions and energy transformations.
Protons
Protons are positively charged subatomic particles located in the nucleus of an atom. They play a critical role in defining the identity of an element.
  • The number of protons in an atom is equal to its atomic number, which determines the element's place on the periodic table.
  • For lithium, the atomic number is 3, meaning each lithium atom contains 3 protons.
  • This number of protons remains constant across all isotopes of lithium, such as \({}_3^{6}\mathrm{Li}\) and \({}_3^{7}\mathrm{Li}\).
The stable presence of protons is essential for maintaining the integrity and character of the chemical element. Understanding protons also helps in distinguishing one element from another and predicting how elements will behave in chemical reactions.
Neutrons
Neutrons are neutral subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom alongside protons. They do not have any electric charge but contribute significantly to the atomic mass.
  • Neutrons are crucial for stabilizing the nucleus, providing strong nuclear forces that keep protons together.
  • The number of neutrons in an element's isotopes can vary. For \({}_3^{6}\mathrm{Li}\), there are 3 neutrons, calculated as the difference between its mass number (6) and its number of protons (3).
  • For \({}_3^{7}\mathrm{Li}\), there are 4 neutrons, derived from the mass number (7) minus its protons (3).
Neutrons contribute to the formation of isotopes, where variations in neutron numbers lead to different physical properties without altering the chemical behavior. They are instrumental in nuclear reactions and the binding of atomic nuclei.
Electrons
Electrons are negatively charged subatomic particles that orbit around the nucleus in a region called the electron cloud or shell. They are extremely small compared to protons and neutrons but play a significant role in chemical bonding and reactions.
  • In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons. Thus, for both \({}_3^{6}\mathrm{Li}\) and \({}_3^{7}\mathrm{Li}\), each isotope has 3 electrons.
  • The arrangement of electrons around the nucleus determines how atoms interact with each other. Electron shells or energy levels are where electrons reside.
  • Electrons are responsible for forming chemical bonds, such as covalent and ionic bonds, giving rise to molecules and compounds.
Understanding electrons is crucial for studying chemical reactions, conductivity, and the formation of materials. They define the atom's capabilities in terms of reactivity, bonding, and electricity.

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