Based on the periodic table, how many protons are found in an atom of iron (Fe) with an atomic number of 26 and atomic mass of 56?
The atomic number of an element is defined as the number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom of that element. This value is unique to each chemical element and determines its identity in the periodic table. For iron (Fe), it is provided that the atomic number is \(26\). Therefore, an iron atom must have \(26\) protons. The atomic mass of \(56\) represents the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, but it does not change the number of protons identified by the atomic number.
Based on the definition of the atomic number, we can directly conclude that an atom of iron (Fe) has \(26\) protons. Comparing this result with the provided options:
The correct number of protons is \(26\).
The atomic number acts like a unique identifier for elements, similar to how a Social Security number or an ID number identifies a person. Just as you can identify someone by their unique ID, scientists identify an atom by its proton count. Understanding this relationship helps in chemical reactions and determining the properties of materials used in daily life, like building structures with steel (an alloy of iron).