Question

this element has 1 less proton than polonium (po) in its nucleus. the atomic number of this element is 82. this element is directly below the element that has 56 protons. this element has 6 protons in its nucleus. this element is directly below the element that has 55 electrons surrounding its nucleus.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall atomic number = number of protons

The atomic number of Polonium (Po) is 84. A element with 1 less proton than Po has atomic - number 83. But we also have other clues.

Step2: Identify element by atomic number

The element with atomic number 82 is Lead (Pb). The element with 56 protons has atomic number 56 (Barium, Ba), and the element directly below it is Radium (Ra), not relevant to our answer. The element with 6 protons is Carbon (C), not relevant. The element with 55 electrons has 55 protons (Cesium, Cs), and the element below it is Francium (Fr), not relevant. The most consistent and correct answer based on the atomic - number clue is for the element with atomic number 82.

Answer:

Lead (Pb)