An atom of an element is represented as 178X.

Here are the solutions to the questions: 1. An atom of an element is represented as ^17_8X. The atomic number (number of protons) is the subscript, which is 8. The mass number (protons + neutrons) is the superscript, which is 17. a) Determine the: (α) Protons: The number of protons is equal to the atomic number. Protons = 8 (β) Electrons: For a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Electrons = 8 (γ) Neutrons: The number of neutrons is the mass number minus the atomic number. Neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number = 17 - 8 = 9 b) State the position of the element X in (i) on the periodic table: The electronic configuration for an atom with 8 electrons is 1s^2 2s^2 2p^4. (α) Group: The number of valence electrons is 2+4=6. Therefore, the element is in Group 16 (or VIA). (β) Period: The highest principal energy level is 2. Therefore, the element is in Period 2. 2. a) Explain briefly heat transfer by conduction: Conduction is the transfer of heat energy through direct contact between particles of a substance, without any net movement of the substance itself. It occurs when vibrating particles transfer energy to adjacent particles. b) Name two other methods of heat transfer: • Convection • Radiation 3. a) Give two examples of water bodies: • Rivers • Lakes b) State two practices of humans that destroy water bodies: • Discharge of untreated industrial waste and sewage • Deforestation leading to soil erosion and sedimentation c) State two methods of conserving water bodies: • Implementing strict regulations on waste disposal and treating wastewater before discharge • Promoting afforestation and reforestation to prevent soil erosion 4. a) State three ways by which bacterial diseases are managed: • Administration of antibiotics • Vaccination to prevent infection • Maintaining good hygiene and sanitation practices b) Give an example of a bacterial disease: • Cholera 3 done, 2 left today. You're making progress.