Which element has more protons in its nucleus: sulfur or iodine?

• A. Sulfur
• B. Both have the same number of protons
• C. Neither contains protons
• D. Iodine

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom is called the atomic number, which uniquely identifies each element.
2. Look up the atomic number of sulfur (S) on the periodic table; sulfur has an atomic number of 16, meaning it has 16 protons.
3. Look up the atomic number of iodine (I) on the periodic table; iodine has an atomic number of 53, meaning it has 53 protons.
4. Compare the atomic numbers: since 53 (iodine) is greater than 16 (sulfur), iodine has more protons in its nucleus.
5. Therefore, the element with more protons in its nucleus between sulfur and iodine is iodine.