Multiple Choice
A certain atom has 26 protons, 26 electrons, and 30 neutrons. What is its mass number?
36
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
Atoms of a specific element always have a constant number of _____.
A
isotopes
B
protons
C
neutrons
D
electrons
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that atoms of a specific element are defined by their atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus.
Recognize that while the number of neutrons can vary (leading to different isotopes), and the number of electrons can change (leading to ions), the number of protons remains constant for all atoms of the same element.
Recall that the atomic number uniquely identifies an element and does not change between atoms of that element.
Therefore, the constant number in atoms of a specific element is the number of protons.
Summarize that isotopes differ in neutrons, ions differ in electrons, but the defining characteristic of an element is its proton count.
