in an element on the periodic table, which number tells you the how many electrons are in that element??
Ah, the periodic table! It's like nature's cheat sheet for all the elements, isn't it? Well, to answer your question, the number you're looking for is called the atomic number. It tells you how many electrons are hanging out in the atom of that element. Think of it like a bustling electron party! And just like any good party, you want to make sure you don't have too many or too few guests, right? So, the atomic number helps scientists keep track of the electron headcount.
The atomic number of an element on the periodic table tells you the number of electrons in that element. Each element is assigned a unique atomic number, which correlates to the number of protons in its nucleus as well as the number of electrons surrounding the nucleus in a neutral atom.
To determine the number of electrons in an element on the periodic table, you need to look at the atomic number of that element. The atomic number is typically located at the top left corner of the element's box or square on the periodic table. It gives you the number of protons in the nucleus of the element's atoms, and since atoms are electrically neutral, it also represents the number of electrons in the element.
For example, let's consider the element carbon (C). Its atomic number is 6, which means it has six protons and, therefore, six electrons. Oxygen (O) has an atomic number of 8, indicating that it has eight protons and eight electrons. Similarly, sodium (Na) has an atomic number of 11, indicating it has eleven protons and eleven electrons.
So, to find the number of electrons in an element, simply locate the atomic number on the periodic table!