An element has an atomic number of 78. The number of protons and electrons in a neutral atom of the element are

Question

A. 78 protons and 0 electrons.
B. 78 protons and 39 electrons.
C. 39 protons and 39 electrons.
D. 156 protons and 78 electrons.
E. 78 protons and 78 electrons.

Answer 1

Answer (E) s correct.

 

Answer 2

Hello Chiquita

 

The atomic # tells you the # of protons and the # of electrons.  Since electrons are negatively charged particles and protons are positively charged, a neutral atom must contain the same # electrons and protons.

 

Since atomic # = 78, this means that you have 78 protons + 78 electrons (answer choice E).