Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the difference between atoms and molecules?
33
views
2. Atoms & Elements
The Atom
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
How many protons are present in a neutral atom of vanadium?
A
24
B
23
C
26
D
25
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the element in question, which is vanadium. Each element is defined by its atomic number, which represents the number of protons in its nucleus.
Recall that the atomic number of an element is the number of protons in a neutral atom of that element. This number is unique to each element and can be found on the periodic table.
Look up vanadium on the periodic table to find its atomic number. The atomic number is usually located above the element symbol.
Note that the atomic number of vanadium is 23, which means a neutral atom of vanadium contains 23 protons.
Confirm that since the atom is neutral, the number of protons equals the number of electrons, but the question only asks for protons, so the answer is 23.
