An element has an atomic number of 88. The number of protons and electrons in a neutral atom of the element are
A) 176 protons and 88 electrons.
B) 44 protons and 44 electrons.
C) 0 protons and 88 electrons.
D) 88 protons and 88 electrons.
E) 88 protons and 44 electrons.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in its nucleus. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons to balance the electrical charge. Therefore, an element with an atomic number of 88 has 88 protons and 88 electrons.

An Element Has an Atomic Number of 88