Which of the following is the number of neutrons in the most abundant isotope of oxygen, oxygen-16?

• A. 6
• B. 8
• C. 10
• D. 16

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the atomic number of oxygen, which is the number of protons in the nucleus. For oxygen, the atomic number is 8.
2. Recognize that the isotope notation 'oxygen-16' refers to the mass number (A), which is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Here, A = 16.
3. Use the relationship between mass number, protons, and neutrons: \(\text{Number of neutrons} = A - Z\), where \(A\) is the mass number and \(Z\) is the atomic number.
4. Substitute the known values into the formula: \(\text{Number of neutrons} = 16 - 8\).
5. Calculate the difference to find the number of neutrons in oxygen-16.