Download Article Show Download Article Finding the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in a given element isn't as hard as it sounds. Oftentimes part of your answer will be right in front of you in the periodic table! Once you know where to look, finding the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons will be a breeze.
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About This ArticleArticle SummaryX The easiest way to find the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons for an element is to look at the element’s atomic number on the periodic table. That number is equal to the number of protons. The number of protons is equal to the number of electrons, unless there’s an ion superscript listed after the element. To find the number of neutrons, subtract the element’s atomic number from its atomic mass (the number listed underneath the element). Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,739,464 times. Did this article help you?How do you find protons electrons and neutrons?To calculate the numbers of subatomic particles in an atom, use its atomic number and mass number: number of protons = atomic number. number of electrons = atomic number. number of neutrons = mass number - atomic number.
How do you find the number of neutrons?To find the number of neutrons, subtract the number of protons from the mass number. number of neutrons=40−19=21.
How do you find the number of protons?Finding the Number of Protons
The number of protons in an atom is equal to the atomic number of the element. For example, let's use oxygen. According to the periodic table, oxygen has the atomic number eight. The atomic number is located above the element's symbol.
How do you know the number of electrons?Add the charge to the atomic number if the charge is negative. If the charge is negative, the ion has gained electrons. To determine how many total electrons there are, add the amount of charge to the atomic number. In this case, there are fewer protons than electrons.
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