Question

use the periodic table to fill in the table with the number of protons for each element. 1. as the number of protons increases, do the atoms become heavier or lighter? 2. is hydrogen a heavy or light element? 3. is mercury a heavy or light element? elements # of protons hydrogen helium sodium calcium mercury

Explanation:

Step1: Recall atomic number equals proton number

The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in its nucleus.

Step2: Find atomic numbers from periodic table

Hydrogen has an atomic number of 1, so it has 1 proton. Helium has an atomic number of 2, so 2 protons. Sodium has an atomic number of 11, so 11 protons. Calcium has an atomic number of 20, so 20 protons. Mercury has an atomic number of 80, so 80 protons.

Step3: Understand proton - mass relationship

Protons have mass. As the number of protons increases, the mass of the atom increases.

Step4: Determine heaviness of elements

Hydrogen is a light element as it has the least number of protons among common elements. Mercury is a heavy element due to its large number of protons.

Answer:

Elements	# of Protons
Helium	2
Sodium	11
Calcium	20
Mercury	80

1. Heavier
2. Light
3. Heavy