Which of the following answers give the correct number of subatomic particles for ${}_{38}^{88}\text{S}$?

• A. 38 protons, 38 neutrons and 38 electrons
• B. 88 protons, 50 neutrons and 50 electrons
• C. 38 protons, 50 neutrons and 38 electrons
• D. 38 protons, 27 neutrons and 13 electrons

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the element from the symbol 'Sr', which stands for Strontium.
2. The atomic number is given as 38, which indicates the number of protons in the nucleus of the atom. Therefore, Strontium has 38 protons.
3. The atomic number also equals the number of electrons in a neutral atom, so Strontium has 38 electrons.
4. The mass number is given as 88, which is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. To find the number of neutrons, subtract the number of protons from the mass number: 88 - 38 = 50 neutrons.
5. Compare the calculated numbers of subatomic particles (38 protons, 50 neutrons, and 38 electrons) with the given options to determine the correct answer.