Chapter U1.12, Problem 3E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The element with 12 protons in its nucleus should be predicted.

Concept introduction:

The periodic table represents the arrangement of the elements in increasing order of their atomic number. The horizontal rows in the periodic table are known as periods while vertical columns are known as groups. There are 18 groups and 7 periods in a periodic table.

Answer to Problem 3E

The element with 12 protons is Magnesium.

Explanation of Solution

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom is equal to the atomic number of the atom. No two different elements can have same atomic number thus, the identity of an element can be identified by knowing the number of protons present in its nucleus.

It is given that an element has 12 protons in its nucleus. Thus, the atomic number of an element would be 12 and it is Magnesium.

Conclusion

Thus, the given element is Magnesium.