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An atom must gain or lose protons from its nucleus to become an atom of another element.

The number of protons, and to a much lesser extent the number of neutrons, will determine the chemical properties of an element.

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If the number of protons in an atom changes a new element is formed?

The changing of one element into another, called transmutation, involves a change in the nucleus of the atom. And the number of protons in the nucleus must change for one element to become another one. It is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom that determines what element that atom is, and only a change in the proton count will herald the change of one element into another. The neutron count may or may not change in transmutation, but be assured that the number of protons will change.


Is a atom an element?

An atom is an element. Every atom has a certain amount of protons, neutrons and electrons and these are what define which element that atom is.


If an atom has 16 protons that atom must be which element?

Sulfur, which atomic number (in the PS) is 16, by definition equal to the number of protons in the nucleus


What property must be change to change an element into another element?

to make one element a different element, all you need to do is have a different number of protons


For the atom not to be an ion how should the number of electrons change?

In order for an atom to be an ion, it must have a charge. Atoms are naturally neutral, however, and have a charge of 0 because they have the same number of protons and electrons.In order for an atom to become an ion, it must lose or gain electrons. An atom WILL NOT become an ion if it loses or gains protons, though, because if the number of protons changes, its atomic number changes, and it becomes a different element. For example, if an atom loses one electron, it is now more positive, and its charge becomes +1.

Related Questions

If the number of protons in an atom changes a new element is formed?

The changing of one element into another, called transmutation, involves a change in the nucleus of the atom. And the number of protons in the nucleus must change for one element to become another one. It is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom that determines what element that atom is, and only a change in the proton count will herald the change of one element into another. The neutron count may or may not change in transmutation, but be assured that the number of protons will change.


Why must the number of protons always stay the same in an atom?

The number of protons in an atom determines its identity as a specific element. Changing the number of protons would result in a different element. Therefore, the number of protons must remain constant in order to maintain the stability and characteristics of the atom.


Is 1 atom of carbon a molecule or element?

One carbon atom is an element. You must have two or more atoms to make a molecule.


An atom of any element must contain?

An atom of any element must contain protons, neutrons, and electrons. The number of protons in the nucleus determines the element's identity, while the neutrons and electrons help determine its stability and reactivity.


Is a atom an element?

An atom is an element. Every atom has a certain amount of protons, neutrons and electrons and these are what define which element that atom is.


Is Talc an element?

No, talcom is not an element. To be an element, a substance must have all the same type of atom. Once it has this, it can go on the Periodic Table. So, as talcom has many different types of atom in it, it's not an element.


Is cornstarch an element?

No, cornstarch is not an element. To be an element, a substance must have all the same type of atom. Once it has this, it can go on the Periodic Table. So, as cornstarch has many different types of atom in it, it's not an element.


Is insulin an element?

No, insulin is not an element. To be an element, a substance must have all the same type of atom. Once it has this, it can go on the Periodic Table. So, as insulin has many different types of atom in it, it's not an element.


Is ferrule an element?

No, ferrule is not an element. To be an element, a substance must have all the same type of atom. Once it has this, it can go on the Periodic Table. So, as ferrule has many different types of atom in it, it's not an element.


What part of the atom has to stay the same for it to be the same element?

The sugar and phosphate group of nucleotides never change. There are four possible nitrogenous bases and thus it is the only part of nucleotides that can change.


If an atom has 16 protons that atom must be which element?

Sulfur, which atomic number (in the PS) is 16, by definition equal to the number of protons in the nucleus


Is clorine an element?

Yes, Chlorine (Cl) an element. To be an element, a substance must have all the same type of atom. As it has this, it is on the Periodic Table.