Question

what is the atomic number of this atom? * lithium if an atom has 12 positively charged subatomic particles, which of the following must it also have to be considered a neutral atom?

Explanation:

• First question: The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus. In the lithium atom diagram, there are 3 protons (blue + charged particles).
• Second question: For an atom to be neutral, the number of positively - charged protons must equal the number of negatively - charged electrons. If there are 12 positively charged subatomic particles (protons), there must be 12 electrons.

Answer:

• First question: 3
• Second question: 12 electrons