Question

1. count: electrons move around the nucleus of atoms in specific shells, shown by the rings around the atoms in the gizmo. the first ring holds two electrons, and the second holds eight. (if you like, you can hide the inner electrons by selecting hide inner electrons.)

a. observe the sodium and chlorine atoms. how many electrons are there total in each atom?
sodium:
chlorine:
b. each atom is neutrally charged, which means that each atom has the same number of protons and electrons. based on this, how many protons are in each atom?
sodium:
chlorine:

Explanation:

• Part A:
• For sodium (\(Na\)): Sodium has an atomic number of \(11\). In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the atomic number. So, sodium has \(11\) electrons.
• For chlorine (\(Cl\)): Chlorine has an atomic number of \(17\). In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the atomic number. So, chlorine has \(17\) electrons.
• Part B:
• Since in a neutral atom, the number of protons (\(p^{+}\)) is equal to the number of electrons (\(e^{-}\)).
• For sodium: As calculated in part A, sodium has \(11\) electrons. So, the number of protons in sodium is \(11\).
• For chlorine: As calculated in part A, chlorine has \(17\) electrons. So, the number of protons in chlorine is \(17\).

Answer:

A. Sodium: \(11\), Chlorine: \(17\)
B. Sodium: \(11\), Chlorine: \(17\)