To find the number of electrons in an atom, you can use the atomic number of the element. The atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, and since atoms are electrically neutral, it also corresponds to the number of electrons in the atom.
Identify the atomic number (Z) of the element. The atomic number is usually displayed as a subscript to the left of the element's symbol on the periodic table.
The number of electrons in the atom is equal to the atomic number. So, the number of electrons (N) can be determined as:
N = Z
For example, let's consider the element carbon (C) with an atomic number of 6. This means that carbon has 6 protons in its nucleus and therefore also has 6 electrons.
In summary, to find the number of electrons in an atom, you simply need to identify the element's atomic number, and that will give you the number of electrons in the atom.