1. The elements involved: Gypsum is made up of calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H).
2. The number of atoms of each element: In one molecule of gypsum, there is:
* 1 calcium atom (Ca)
* 1 sulfur atom (S)
* 4 oxygen atoms (O)
* 4 hydrogen atoms (H)
3. The atomic number of each element: The atomic number tells us the number of protons (and normally also the number of electrons) in a neutral atom:
* Calcium (Ca): Atomic number 20
* Sulfur (S): Atomic number 16
* Oxygen (O): Atomic number 8
* Hydrogen (H): Atomic number 1
Calculations:
* Protons:
* Ca: 1 atom * 20 protons/atom = 20 protons
* S: 1 atom * 16 protons/atom = 16 protons
* O: 4 atoms * 8 protons/atom = 32 protons
* H: 4 atoms * 1 proton/atom = 4 protons
* Total protons: 20 + 16 + 32 + 4 = 72 protons
* Electrons:
* In a neutral molecule, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons.
* Total electrons: 72 electrons
Therefore, there are 72 protons and 72 electrons in one molecule of gypsum.