How many protons are present in an atom represented by 22088Ra?

• A. 132
• B. 142
• C. 88
• D. 220

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the notation of the atom given: \(^{220}_{88}\text{Ra}\). Here, the number at the bottom (88) is the atomic number, and the number at the top (220) is the mass number.
2. Recall that the atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of the atom.
3. Since the atomic number is 88, this means the atom has 88 protons.
4. The mass number (220) is the sum of protons and neutrons, but it is not needed to find the number of protons.
5. Therefore, the number of protons in the atom \(^{220}_{88}\text{Ra}\) is equal to the atomic number, which is 88.