Textbook Question
How many protons and electrons are there in a neutral atom of each of the following elements?a. argon
1495
views
4. Atoms and Elements
Subatomic Particles (Simplified)
Multiple Choice
All atoms of a given element have the same number of which subatomic particle?
A
Electrons
B
Nucleons (protons plus neutrons)
C
Protons
D
Neutrons
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that an atom consists of three main subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Understand that the identity of an element is determined by the number of protons in its nucleus. This number is called the atomic number.
Recognize that while the number of neutrons can vary in atoms of the same element (forming isotopes), the number of protons remains constant for all atoms of that element.
Note that electrons can vary in number if the atom is ionized, so they do not define the element itself.
Therefore, conclude that all atoms of a given element have the same number of protons.
Related Videos
Related Practice
