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Chapter 3: Problem 16

Why are atomic numbers always whole numbers?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Atomic numbers are always whole numbers because they represent the number of protons in an atom. As protons are indivisible and always counted in whole numbers, therefore atomic numbers are also in whole numbers.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the atomic structure

Atoms are the smallest unit of an element. They consist of three types of particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus (center of the atom), while electrons orbit around the nucleus.
02

Defining the atomic number

The atomic number of an atom is defined as the number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom. Each element's atomic number is unique.
03

Identifying properties of protons

Protons are indivisible particles of an atom. They cannot be split into smaller parts for the purpose of atomic structure. Hence, the number of protons in an atom is always a whole number.
04

Linking atomic number with protons

Since the atomic number represents the number of protons and protons are always in whole numbers, atomic numbers are also always whole numbers.

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