Rutherfordium has an atomic number of 104. How many protons and electrons does a neutral atom of rutherfordium contain?

• A. 104 protons and 52 electrons
• B. 52 protons and 52 electrons
• C. 104 protons and 104 electrons
• D. 52 protons and 104 electrons

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element. For Rutherfordium, the atomic number is 104, so it has 104 protons.
2. Understand that in a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons to balance the positive charge of the protons with the negative charge of the electrons.
3. Since Rutherfordium is neutral, the number of electrons must also be 104 to balance the 104 protons.
4. Therefore, a neutral atom of Rutherfordium contains 104 protons and 104 electrons.
5. Review the answer choices and select the one that matches 104 protons and 104 electrons.