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Multiple Choice
An atom has 13 protons, 14 neutrons, and 13 electrons. Which element is it?
A
Phosphorus (P)
B
Magnesium (Mg)
C
Aluminum (Al)
D
Silicon (Si)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the number of protons in the atom, as the number of protons determines the element's identity. Here, the atom has 13 protons.
Recall that the atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus. So, the atomic number of this atom is 13.
Use the periodic table to find the element with atomic number 13. Each element is uniquely identified by its atomic number.
Check the element corresponding to atomic number 13, which is Aluminum (Al).
Confirm that the number of electrons equals the number of protons for a neutral atom, which is true here (13 electrons), so the element is Aluminum (Al).