Answer :
To determine how many protons are in a nitrogen atom, we need to look at the atomic structure of nitrogen.
1. Identify the Atomic Number: The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its atom. For nitrogen, the atomic number is 7. This tells us that a neutral nitrogen atom has 7 protons.
2. Consider the Charge: The charge on an atom affects the number of electrons, not protons. Adding or removing electrons changes the charge of the atom, forming an ion, but it does not affect the number of protons.
3. Determine Protons in a Charged Nitrogen Atom: Even if the nitrogen atom has a 3-charge (becoming an ion), the number of protons remains unchanged because protons are located in the nucleus and are not affected by changes in charge.
Therefore, a nitrogen atom, even with a 3-charge, still has 7 protons. The correct answer is 7.
1. Identify the Atomic Number: The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its atom. For nitrogen, the atomic number is 7. This tells us that a neutral nitrogen atom has 7 protons.
2. Consider the Charge: The charge on an atom affects the number of electrons, not protons. Adding or removing electrons changes the charge of the atom, forming an ion, but it does not affect the number of protons.
3. Determine Protons in a Charged Nitrogen Atom: Even if the nitrogen atom has a 3-charge (becoming an ion), the number of protons remains unchanged because protons are located in the nucleus and are not affected by changes in charge.
Therefore, a nitrogen atom, even with a 3-charge, still has 7 protons. The correct answer is 7.
