Textbook Question
Give the symbol of the element described by each of the following:a. the alkaline earth metal in Period 2
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4. Atoms and Elements
Periodic Table: Element Symbols
Multiple Choice
A neutral atom has 17 electrons. Which element is it?
A
Chlorine (Cl)
B
Sulfur (S)
C
Potassium (K)
D
Argon (Ar)
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that a neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons. Therefore, the number of electrons tells us the atomic number of the element.
Identify the atomic number from the number of electrons given. Here, the atom has 17 electrons, so its atomic number is 17.
Use the periodic table to find the element with atomic number 17. The atomic number corresponds to the number of protons in the nucleus of the element.
Look up the element with atomic number 17 on the periodic table. This element is Chlorine (Cl).
Confirm that Chlorine is the correct element by comparing it to the other options and verifying their atomic numbers: Sulfur (16), Potassium (19), Argon (18).
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