The configuration of these electrons follows from the principles of quantum mechanics. The chemical properties of the atom are determined by the number of protons, in fact, by number and arrangement of electrons. See also: Atomic Number – Does it conserve in a nuclear reaction? Atomic Number and Chemical PropertiesĮvery solid, liquid, gas, and plasma is composed of neutral or ionized atoms. It is the electrons that are responsible for the chemical bavavior of atoms, and which identify the various chemical elements. In a neutral atom there are as many electrons as protons moving about nucleus. The total electrical charge of the nucleus is therefore +Ze, where e (elementary charge) equals to 1,602 x 10 -19 coulombs.
Total number of protons in the nucleus is called the atomic number of the atom and is given the symbol Z. The nucleus is composed of protons and neutrons.
The atom consist of a small but massive nucleus surrounded by a cloud of rapidly moving electrons. Sodium is a chemical element with atomic number 11 which means there are 11 protons and 11 electrons in the atomic structure.
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