Protons Decide the Element
Part of the Atomic Structure section of Coddy's Chemistry journey. Lesson 11 of 45.
The number of protons in the nucleus decides the element. It is the atomic number, : hydrogen has 1 proton, carbon has 6.
Hydrogen has 1 proton; carbon has 6
Every carbon atom has exactly 6 protons. Add a seventh and it becomes nitrogen. Neutrons and electrons can change; only the protons name the element.
The periodic table is in order of atomic number: each box has one more proton than the one before.
Challenge
A hydrogen atom has 1 proton and 1 electron. Carbon, the element of every living thing, sits five boxes later in the periodic table. Build a neutral carbon atom.
Try it yourself
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Atomic Structure
1Matter and Atoms
What Everything Is Made OfElements, Compounds, MixturesChemical SymbolsCounting Atoms in a FormulaRecap - Molecule Kit