Given the following, how many protons are in an atom of chlorine? What is the atomic number of sodium?

An atom of chlorine (Cl) has 6 more protons than an atom of sodium (Na). The atomic number of chlorine is 5 less than twice the atomic number of sodium. The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons per atom.

1 Answer
May 14, 2017

For Cl, Z=17.

Explanation:

Z=the atomic number, the number of massive, positively charged nuclear particles. Z defines the identity of the element. For Cl, Z=17.

We are given that ZNa+6=ZCl, and thus ZNa=11.

And 2×ZNa5=225=17=ZCl as required.