An element has an atomic number of 76. The number of protons and electrons in a neutral atom of the element are ____. (1 point)
152 protons and 76 electrons
76 protons and 0 electrons
38 protons and 38 electrons
76 protons and 76 electrons

Question

An element has an atomic number of 76. The number of protons and electrons in a neutral atom of the element are ____.  (1 point)
152 protons and 76 electrons
76 protons and 0 electrons
38 protons and 38 electrons
76 protons and 76 electrons

anonymous · Answer

The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons. Therefore, an atomic number of 76 means that the atom has 76 protons. Remember that the number of protons determines the identity of the element (the same element can have different number of neutrons, in which case, they will be called isotopes; and the different atoms of the same element can become ions if they loose or gain electrons). Also, a neutral atom means that the number of protons = number of electrons. Therefore, it should 76 protons and 76 electrons.