How do you form a compound given the atomic number?

Answer 1

Hello, Alyssa,

I either don't understand the question or wonder if you've used the correct wording. The "atomic number" is the number of an element on the periodic table. It represents the number of protons in the nucleus. No matter what numbers of neutrons and electrons are also present (istopes and charged atoms), the number of protons defines what element the atom is. Regardless of the atomic number, elements may combine with another atom(s) to form compounds. [The noble gases are very resistant to forming compounds, but they can, under certain conditions.]

If the question is one of what porportions of elements combine to form compounds, then the answer depends on the electrons and their orbitals. Depending on the status of the valence shell electrons, we can predict likely combinations, such as H₂O vs just HO. We can also predict NaCl, H₂SO4, Fe₂O₃, and, eventually, more complex molecules such as C₁₀H₁₆N₅O₁₃P₃ , which is ATP or adenosine triphosphate, the molecule that helps the body get it's energy. But these bonding predictions are based directly on the electron pattern of an atom, whcih is only indirectly related to the atomic number.

Could you elaborate a little on why the atomic number that is of interest with respect to bonding?

Thanks,

Bob

Answer 2

This is an unclear question. The atomic number will tell you what the element is & the number of protons & electrons that element has. But in itself, it can't tell you how to form a compound.