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Multiple Choice
How many protons are present in the isotope lithium-6?
A
6
B
4
C
3
D
2
Verified step by step guidance
1
Recall that the number of protons in an atom is defined by its atomic number, which is unique to each element.
Identify the element in question: lithium. Lithium has an atomic number of 3, meaning it has 3 protons.
Understand that the isotope notation lithium-6 indicates the mass number, which is the sum of protons and neutrons, but does not affect the number of protons.
Therefore, regardless of the isotope (lithium-6 or lithium-7), the number of protons remains the same as the atomic number of lithium, which is 3.
Conclude that the number of protons in lithium-6 is 3.