Tag: #Atomic Number

Introduction

The symbol for an element is a single letter or two-letter abbreviation of the element’s full name. These symbols are helpful when writing out lengthy chemical equations that need the usage of shortened forms of complexes and elements. The number of electrons (\({e^ – }\)) and protons (\({p^ – }\)) in an atom can be determined from its atomic number (Z). In chemistry, an element is defined as a pure substance made up entirely of atoms having the same number of protons in their atomic nuclei.

What are the First 20 Elements of the Periodic Table?

here is the list of 20 elements with symbols and Atomic Number 

Atomic number	Symbol	Element
20	Ca	Calcium
19	K	Potassium
18	Ar	Argon
17	Cl	Chlorine
16	S	Sulfur
15	P	Phosphorus
14	Si	Silicon
13	Al	Aluminum
12	Mg	Magnesium
11	Na	Sodium
10	Ne	Neon
9	F	Fluorine
8	O	Oxygen
7	N	Nitrogen
6	C	Carbon
5	B	Boron
4	Be	Beryllium
3	Li	Lithium
2	He	Helium
1	H	Hydrogen

Master the Periodic Table! Learn about all 118 elements, their symbols, and atomic numbers in our easy-to-understand article. Click here to start exploring now!

Importance of the Atomic Number of An Element in a Periodic Table

The number of protons in the nucleus or the number of electrons (\({e^ – }\)) in a neutral atom is equal to the atomic number. It determines the element’s position in the periodic table.

Eight is the atomic number of oxygen. This means that in the ground state of the nucleus, there are eight protons. There are eight electrons (\({e^ – }\)) in all. NaCl, with an atomic number of 11, also possesses 11 protons in its nucleus. There are 11 electrons in orbit around the nucleus.

 Since the number of electrons in an atom is also its atomic number, the electrical configuration of an atom may be easily predicted using just the atomic number. Because the atomic numbers in the contemporary periodic table increase, this is a very important fact. One final factor that is crucial in determining the properties of an element is its atomic number. The nature of chemical bonds is determined by the number of valence electrons (\({e^ – }\)). 

The periodic table’s atomic number is significant due to following reasons: 

1. If we order elements according to their atomic mass, we also need to list their isotopes, which makes the periodic table too long. However, if we arrange the periodic table according to the atomic number, we don’t need to write the isotopes.
2. If the periodic table were ordered by atomic mass, the element hydrogen (H), which has three isotopes, would occupy three separate spots.
3. The electrical configuration or valence electrons of an atom can be determined by its location in the periodic table, which is in turn determined by its atomic number.
4. The organisation of the elements according to their atomic numbers is simple to learn and copy.
5. If we know the atomic size based on the atomic number, we can use that information to make educated guesses about other properties of the element, such as its ionisation energy, electron affinity, and electronegativity. 
6. Atomic numbers allow us to determine an element’s oxidation state and valency by referencing its electronic configuration.
7. Metals (+ve charge elements) can be distinguished from nonmetals via their oxidation states (-ve charge elements).

How are the First 20 Elements of the Periodic Table Useful for us

The first 20 elements of the periodic table are important to us because they are the basis of all known forms of life. We can’t survive without these things in our bodies. Proteins, nucleic acid, and other building blocks are made from them. The first 20 elements of the periodic table are the most abundant elements on the planet. Some of the most important elements are:

1. Oxygen– It is required for respiration. The energy-producing mechanism that governs the metabolisms of most life forms is respiration. Humans, like many living beings, need oxygen to breathe.  It is produced during photosynthesis in plants as well as various microorganisms.
2. Carbon– It accounts for 18% of the body. It can be found in protein, sugar, & and other vital substances such as glucose. It can also be found in fossil fuels such as petroleum, CNG, & others.
3. Aluminium– Because it is malleable as well as soft, aluminium is utilised to select items such as utensils, aeroplane parts, window frames, & so on.
4. Silicon is a semiconductor that is utilised in computer chips.
5. Phosphorus– In the armed services, phosphorus is utilised to build weapons.  It is a crucial component of ATP, the body’s energy currency.
6. Calcium -It aids in bone strength maintenance. 

Noble Gases in the First 20 Elements of the Periodic Table

The noble gases are a set of six non-reactive gases found at the far right of the periodic table. They are located in the final group of the periodic table, Group 18. They lack aroma, colour, combustibility, and reactivity and have no discernible flavour. These subatomic particles can glow and carry an electric current. One organic chemist called these elements “lazy” because they don’t react with anything. Some examples of noble gases are radon, helium, xenon, krypton, neon, and argon. 

Summary

There are a total of 118 atoms in the periodic table. The first twenty elements of the periodic table is the first step towards mastering all of the elements. An element is a substance that can neither be oxidised nor reduced chemically. The elements’ atomic numbers follow the order in which they appear on the periodic table. We value the first 20 elements of the periodic table because they form the building blocks of all known life.

Without these in our systems, we just won’t make it. They are used as precursors in the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acid, and other biomolecules.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a s-block element and a p-block element? 

Ans: S-block elements are elements in the s-block of the periodic table, while p-block elements are elements in the p-block of the periodic table.

2. Are all the first elements of the periodic table non metals?

Ans: No, all the first elements of the periodic table are not non metals. Hydrogen and the p block elements are non metals while the s block elements are metals. 

3. Are noble gases abundant in nature? 

Ans: Every one of the noble gases exists in the atmosphere. Argon makes up 0.934% of the air we breathe, whereas the other 18 elements are present in extremely minute quantities. The radioactive decay of (\({potassium^ 40 }\)) is the primary source of atmospheric argon. In the atmosphere, neon makes up 0.0018 percent, helium 0.00052%, krypton 0.00011%, and xenon 0.000009%.

4. What is the periodic table, and why is it important?

Ans: The periodic table is a chart that organizes chemical elements by their atomic number, electron configurations, and recurring chemical properties. It is important because it allows scientists to predict the properties of elements and their compounds, making it an essential tool in the study of chemistry and the development of new materials.

Introduction

While the number of protons is merely the atomic number, the atomic mass of an atom is the sum of both its protons and neutrons. The letters A and Z can be used to denote these. Since it offers the key to the element’s existence, the atomic number is the concept that deals with such a periodic table element. It is only after interacting with this particular proton, which is primarily referred to as this hydrogen isotope’s protium, that the atomic and mass numbers are the same. Keep in mind, in particular, that while the atomic number remains constant, the mass number could change due to the presence of multiple isotopes. The elements are arranged in numerical order by atomic number.

Define Atomic Number

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom is the atomic number. This is denoted by the letter Z. The number of electrons that surround the nuclei is controlled by the number of protons. In a periodic table with ascending atomic numbers, compounds with similar chemical properties typically cluster in the same column. Different elements have distinctive atomic numbers. For example, all C atoms have an atomic number of sixes, whereas all O atoms have an atomic number of eights.

Define Mass Number

Rutherford proved that an atom’s nucleus, which is composed of protons and neutrons, contains perhaps the majority of the atom’s mass. The mass number refers to the total number of protons and neutrons in such an atom. Atomic mass units are used to measure this. To represent it, the letter “A” is frequently used. This has typically been accomplished by simultaneously adding both neutrons and protons.

For instance,\(Cl^{37}_{17} \) appears to have a mass number of 37. Its nucleus contains twenty neutrons and seventeen protons.

What is the difference between Valency, Atomic number and Mass number

Valency	Atomic Number	Mass Number
The greatest amount of electrons that even an atom could lose, gain, as well as share, in addition to getting stable is referred to as valency.	An atomic no. is the no. of protons that exist in such an atom.	The mass no. within an atom is the total of its protons as well as neutrons.
The electronic arrangement of such an atom could be used to evaluate its valency.	The mass number has always been less than the atomic no.	The atomic no. is always greater than that of the mass number.
The no. of atoms does not affect valency.	No. of neutrons in an atom does not impact its atomic no.	The no. of neutrons inside an atom seems to not affect the mass no.
The no. of electrons does have a direct relationship with valency.	The atomic no. of isotopes seems to be the same.	The mass number of isotopes varies.
Elements are classified as monovalence, divalence, and trivalence based on their valency.	Isobars with similar atomic no. cannot exist.	The mass no. of isobars would be the same.

Energy Levels of Atomic Orbital

When an electron reaches a certain energy level, it is more likely to be found in these regions than in other regions. Orbitals are the name for those sections. Orbitals with roughly similar energies have created sub-levels. The maximum capacity for each orbital is two electrons. The energy of such an electron in a specific atom may be determined solely by the primary quantum number. In order of increasing orbital energy are the following orbitals:

\(1s<2s=2p<3s=3p=3d<4s=4p=4d=4f\)

Summary

The mass number of an atom’s nucleus is an integer equal to the sum of the nucleus’ protons and neutrons. The atomic number, in contrast, is simply the number of protons. Even though their mass is so small compared to that of protons and neutrons, electrons are not counted when calculating mass because they have no impact on the value. The number of neutrons may change, even though the number of protons in such an element’s units remains constant. An electron appears to have very little mass. Therefore, an atom’s atomic mass is roughly equivalent to its mass no. The mass number represents the weight of an atom’s nucleus in atomic mass units.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a relationship between atomic mass and weight?

Ans: No, atomic mass is indeed the weight of an atom, while atomic weight denotes the weighted average of naturally produced elements.

2. Why does an atomic number refer to as a fingerprint?

Ans: The physical or chemical characteristics of an atom have been exclusively governed by the no. of electrons inside its nucleus, but often along with its nuclear charge: the nuclear charge would be an element’s specific “fingerprint,” as well as Z identifies the chemical components individually.

3. Why is it that a mass number is typically a whole number?

Ans: Since it is the total number of the particles, the mass no. is always a whole number. This varies from the atomic mass unit, which is well recognized, as well as written to 6 decimal points.