AQA GCSE · Question 01.4 · Atomic structure and the periodic table
An atom of element Z contains 3 electrons and 3 protons. Give the name of element Z. Use the periodic table.
How to approach this question
The number of protons in an atom defines the element. This is called the atomic number. Find the element with an atomic number of 3 on the periodic table.
Full Answer
Lithium
The number of protons in an atom's nucleus is its atomic number. In this case, element Z has 3 protons, so its atomic number is 3. Looking at the periodic table, the element with atomic number 3 is Lithium (Li).
Common mistakes
✗ Using the number of electrons or neutrons to identify the element.\n✗ Using the mass number instead of the atomic number.
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