answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus determines the chemical identity of that atom. It tells us which element it is. The elemental identity of an atom is determined by the number of protons in that atom's nucleus. This was bit repetitive, but it is a critical concept in chemistry and physics. Atomic Mass might be thought of as the "weight" of an atom. Atomic mass is found by adding up the masses of all the protons, neutrons, and electrons in the atom. As electrons weigh less than 1/1800th of what a proton weighs, they contribute only the smallest amount to the weight of the atom (compared to the protons and neutrons), regardless of which atom it is. These weights are expressed in atomic mass units because the "normal" terms for the expression of weight (mass) are far too large to be "easy to work with" on the atomic scale. Let's do a quick example with the two stable isotopes of lithium. Lithium is element number three on the Periodic Table. It has 3 protons in its nucleus, and 3 is its atomic number. (Repeating, the number of protons in the nucleus is equal to the atomic number, and this identifies the element under investigation.) Lithium has one "version" or isotope that has 3 neutrons. The atomic mass of 3Li is about 6.015 or so. Note: subtracting the atomic number from the atomic mass gives us the number of neutrons in the nucleus of that atom. The 6.015 minus the 3 yields an answer of 3 for the number of neutrons. There is also a lithium atom that has 4 neutrons in its nucleus. It's 4Li and its atomic mass is about 7.016 or so. Same math. Take the 7.016 and subtract the 3 and get 4 as the answer - and the number of neutrons in the nucleus of that atom. Those are the two stable isotopes of lithium. (There are a number of other isotopes of lithium, but they're all unstable and disappear fairly quickly after being made in the physics lab.)

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 16y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

βˆ™ 4mo ago

The atomic number of an element indicates the number of protons in its nucleus, which determines its chemical properties. Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of radiation from an unstable nucleus. Elements with higher atomic numbers (typically above 83) tend to be more prone to radioactivity due to the greater instability of their nuclei.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 13y ago

There is no relationship between atomic number and radioactivity.

Atomic nuclei, according to Bohr's model, are comprised of protons and neutrons. The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus. The number of neutrons bound in the nucleus does not change the atomic number, but instead determines the isotope. There are many isotopes for each atomic number.

The radioactive decay constant (denoted as lambda) carries the units [1/s] and can be thought of as the likelihood of a particular isotope to undergo radioactive decay in one second. This likelihood is unique to each isotope and we have not yet discovered strong functions to correlate them.

If curious, search the net for the "Chart of the Nuclides," it is akin to an expanded periodic table for nuclear physicists.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 13y ago

the atomic number is the measure of radioactivity in a chemical

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What relationship do atomic numbers and radioactivity have?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What is the relationship of two isotopes of an elements nuclei?

Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons in their nuclei (same atomic number) but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different mass numbers. This difference in neutron content gives each isotope unique physical properties such as stability, radioactivity, and atomic mass.


Is it true that the atomic bomb couldn't exist without radioactivity?

Simply to put it Yes. Atomic Bombs is a form as Nuclear bomb and Nuclear products/elements such as Uranium 235 (a material used in a atomic bomb) emits radioactive particles. Radioactivity Particles = radioactivity.


What is a sentence for radioactivity?

Radioactivity is the emission of radiation from an unstable atomic nucleus.


Could the atomic bomb exist without radioactivity?

No, the atomic bomb relies on the process of nuclear fission, which produces radioactivity as a byproduct. Radioactivity is essential for the explosive power of the bomb.


Radioactivity is casued due to?

spontaneous disintegration of atomic nuclei


Is an element's atomic mass always indicative of its level of radioactivity?

no


What is the sorce of radioactivity?

The spontaneous decomposition of unstable atomic nuclei.


Radioactivity is caused due to what?

spontaneous decay of unstable atomic nuclei.


What is the name of the process during which atomic nuclei decay?

D. Radioactivity


What are the limitations of Thomson?

His model cannot explain atomic spectra or radioactivity.


What atomic number is curie?

A curie is a non-SI unit of radioactivity. It is not a chemical element and so does not have an atomic number.


How did Irène Joliot-Curie contribute to the Atomic Theory?

discovering artificial radioactivity