Which statement accurately describes the atoms of a specific element?

• A. All atoms of a specific element have the same number of neutrons.
• B. All atoms of a specific element have the same number of electrons in all circumstances.
• C. All atoms of a specific element have the same mass number.
• D. All atoms of a specific element have the same number of protons.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that an element is defined by its atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of its atoms.
2. Understand that while the number of protons is constant for all atoms of a given element, the number of neutrons can vary, leading to different isotopes of that element.
3. Recognize that the number of electrons can change if the atom is ionized, so atoms of the same element do not always have the same number of electrons.
4. Note that the mass number (sum of protons and neutrons) can vary because of different numbers of neutrons in isotopes.
5. Therefore, the defining and unchanging characteristic of all atoms of a specific element is that they have the same number of protons.