Question

The atomic structure of an element is deduced from its atomic number and mass number. Give reason

Answer 1

An atom is composed of three sub-atomic particles, proton, neutron and electron. Atoms of different elements differ in the number of the sub-atomic particles present in its atom and these determine the characteristics of the element. Atomic number of an element is the number of protons in the atom of that element while mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the element. Therefore, atomic number and mass number of an element determine its atomic structure.