Which element has 16 protons in its nucleus?
A. neon
B. oxygen
C. sodium
D. sulfur
Answer (1)
The problem asks which element has 16 protons in its nucleus.
The number of protons defines the atomic number of an element.
By checking the atomic numbers of the given elements, we find that sulfur has an atomic number of 16.
Therefore, the element with 16 protons is sulfur .
Explanation
Problem Analysis We are asked to identify the element that has 16 protons in its nucleus. The number of protons in an atom defines its atomic number, which uniquely identifies the element. Therefore, we need to determine which of the given elements has an atomic number of 16.
Analyzing Each Element Let's consider each option:
Neon (Ne): Neon has an atomic number of 10, meaning it has 10 protons.
Oxygen (O): Oxygen has an atomic number of 8, meaning it has 8 protons.
Sodium (Na): Sodium has an atomic number of 11, meaning it has 11 protons.
Sulfur (S): Sulfur has an atomic number of 16, meaning it has 16 protons.
Identifying the Correct Element Based on the analysis, sulfur has 16 protons in its nucleus.
Final Answer Therefore, the element with 16 protons in its nucleus is sulfur.
Examples
Understanding the number of protons in an atom's nucleus is fundamental in chemistry. For example, in environmental science, knowing the atomic number helps identify pollutants and their behavior in ecosystems. In medicine, it's crucial for understanding radioactive isotopes used in imaging and therapy. In materials science, the number of protons influences the properties of elements used in creating new materials. Knowing that sulfur has 16 protons allows scientists to predict its chemical behavior and applications in various fields.
