Question

atom builder: element square
refresh the page and select the \symbol\
option. you should now see a square with 3
zeros in the corners underneath the periodic
table of elements.
build the stable and neutral atom for boron
and fill in the square to the left. what are each
of the numbers and what do they mean?
1.
2.
3.
build the largest stable atom possible in the simulation. what element is this? how
many protons, neutrons, and electrons does it have?

bonus! look at the periodic table under the \element\ section. what is the
relationship between the number of protons and an elements location on the
periodic table?

bonus! look at the periodic table square
for oxygen to the right. label this square
using the information covered in the
simulation. (hint: include the subatomic
particles in your answer!)

Explanation:

For Boron:

1. The atomic number (number of protons) is 5. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is also 5.
2. The mass number (sum of protons and neutrons). For stable Boron, if we assume the most common isotope, mass number is 11. So neutrons = mass number - protons = 11 - 5 = 6.
3. The atomic number (5) determines the element's identity (from periodic table), electrons (5 in neutral atom), protons (5). Mass number (11 for common isotope) gives sum of protons and neutrons.

For the largest stable atom (assuming simulation context, often Lead - Pb in some basic sims, but if considering common stable in basic sims like Gold - Au):

• For Gold (Au): Protons = 79 (from periodic table, atomic number), electrons = 79 (neutral atom), neutrons = mass number (197) - 79 = 118.

For the relationship between protons and periodic table location: The number of protons (atomic number) determines the element's position. Elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number (number of protons) in the periodic table.

For Oxygen:

• Atomic number (top left) = 8 (protons = 8, electrons = 8 in neutral atom).
• Mass number (approximate, sum of protons and neutrons). If we calculate neutrons: mass number (from periodic table value 15.999 ≈ 16) - 8 = 8 neutrons.

Answer:

1. Boron: Protons = 5, Electrons = 5 (neutral atom).
2. Boron (common isotope): Mass number = 11, Neutrons = 6.
3. Boron: Atomic number (5) defines element (from periodic table), gives proton/electron count (in neutral), mass number (11) gives proton + neutron sum.

Largest stable atom (e.g., Gold - Au): Protons = 79, Electrons = 79, Neutrons = 118.

Protons (atomic number) determine element’s position (periodic table order by increasing atomic number).

Oxygen: Top left (atomic number) = 8 (protons/electrons), bottom (mass number ≈ 16, neutrons = 8).