Question

Can you determine the atomic weights of zinc or copper by the methods used in this experiment? how? what additional information is necessary in order to do this?

Answer 1

The subatomic particle that carries a positive charge is the proton. You can also know the number of protons in an atom. The number of protons is the atomic number of an element. To find the number of neutrons, subtract the atomic number from the mass of an atom. 

For zinc:

Zinc’s atomic number is 30. This will tell us that zinc has 30 protons and electrons that are in it. The atomic mass of zinc is 65. So subtract 65 from 30 gives us 35. Therefore, there are 35 neutrons in zinc.

For copper:

Copper’s atomic number is 29. This will tell us that copper has 29 protons and electrons that are in it. The atomic mass of copper is 64. So subtract 64 from 29 gives us 35. Therefore, there are 35 neutrons in copper.