Write the atomic symbol for each of the following: (4.5) a....

Write the atomic symbol for each of the following: (4.5)
a. an atom with only 1 proton
b. an atom with 80 protons and 120 neutrons
c. an osmium atom with mass number of 189
d. an atom with 24 electrons and 28 neutrons

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Key Concepts

Atomic Symbol Notation

Atomic symbols are shorthand representations of elements that include the element’s abbreviated name (one or two letters), along with numbers representing the atomic number and the mass number. The standard format places the mass number as a superscript to the upper left of the element symbol and the atomic number as a subscript to the lower left.

Atomic Number

The atomic number denotes the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom. It uniquely identifies an element and is critical in determining its position in the periodic table. In atomic symbol notation, this number is placed as the subscript on the lower left side of the element symbol.

Mass Number

The mass number is the total number of nucleons (protons and neutrons) in an atom’s nucleus. It is calculated by adding the number of protons (the atomic number) to the number of neutrons, and it is depicted as a superscript on the upper left side of the atomic symbol.

Subatomic Particles

Understanding the roles of protons, neutrons, and electrons is fundamental in atomic structure. Protons determine the atomic number, neutrons contribute to the mass number without affecting the element’s identity, and electrons (in a neutral atom) equal the number of protons. These particles are key to writing and interpreting the atomic symbol correctly.

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