Question

part c: application & critical thinking 9 oxygen has an atomic number of 8. a how many protons does it have? b how many electrons does it have?

Explanation:

i. How many protons does it have?

Step1: Recall atomic number definition

The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus.

Step2: Apply to oxygen

Oxygen has an atomic number of 8, so the number of protons = atomic number = 8.

Step1: Recall neutral atom electron - proton relation

In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons.

Step2: Apply to oxygen

Since oxygen is a neutral atom (in its elemental state, not an ion) and has 8 protons, the number of electrons is also 8.

Answer:

8

ii. How many electrons does it have?