Determining an element based on its subatomic particles is a fundamental concept in chemistry. The number of protons defines the element's atomic number and its identity on the periodic table. The number of neutrons contributes to its mass number (protons + neutrons), creating isotopes of the same element. The number of electrons determines the element's charge. Let's break down this specific example:
The Importance of Protons
The key to identifying the element lies in the number of protons, which is always 7 in this case. Looking at the periodic table, we find that the element with atomic number 7 is nitrogen (N).
Neutrons and Isotopes
The presence of 8 neutrons tells us we're dealing with a specific isotope of nitrogen. Nitrogen-14 (¹⁴N) is the most common isotope with 7 protons and 7 neutrons. This particular atom, with 8 neutrons, is nitrogen-15 (¹⁵N). Both are stable isotopes of nitrogen.
Electrons and Ions
The fact that this atom has 10 electrons, rather than the 7 that would balance the 7 protons, means it's not electrically neutral. It possesses a charge of -3 because it has three more electrons than protons. This makes it a nitrogen anion, specifically written as N³⁻.
So, to answer the question directly:
The element with 7 protons, 8 neutrons, and 10 electrons is a nitrogen-15 anion (¹⁵N³⁻).
Frequently Asked Questions (Based on common search queries):
What is the atomic number of an element with 7 protons?
The atomic number is determined solely by the number of protons. An element with 7 protons has an atomic number of 7, which corresponds to nitrogen (N) on the periodic table.
How many electrons are in a neutral nitrogen atom?
A neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons. Therefore, a neutral nitrogen atom has 7 electrons.
What is the difference between nitrogen-14 and nitrogen-15?
Nitrogen-14 and nitrogen-15 are isotopes of nitrogen. They both have 7 protons, but nitrogen-14 has 7 neutrons, while nitrogen-15 has 8 neutrons. This difference in neutron number affects the mass of the atom but not its chemical properties significantly.
What is an ion?
An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge. A negatively charged ion (like our N³⁻) is called an anion, and a positively charged ion is called a cation.
How are isotopes identified?
Isotopes are identified by their mass number, which is the sum of protons and neutrons. For example, nitrogen-15 (¹⁵N) indicates an isotope with a mass number of 15.
This detailed explanation goes beyond a simple answer, providing a deeper understanding of atomic structure, isotopes, and ions. This comprehensive approach is crucial for optimizing the content for search engines and providing valuable information to readers.
