Question

Which of the following statements are true? I. The number of protons in an element is the same for all neutral atoms of that element. II. The number of electrons in an element is the same for all neutral atoms of that element. III. The number of neutrons in an element is the same for all neutral atoms of that element. Select one:

Answer 1

Answer:

Both statements I, and II are true

Explanation:

I)One is true.The number of protons of the element is the defining characteristic of it. This is, if we take a proton or add a proton to a nucleus we will be changing the element. Therefore, the number of protons is the same for all neutral and not neutral atoms of that element.

II)Two is true. If an atom is neutral, it will have the same number of electrons and protons. As the number of protons for an element cannot change (see I), then the number of electrons will be the same for all neutral atoms of this element.

III)Three is false. We can have a neutral atoms of the same element with different number of neutrons, as neutrons do not change the charge of the atom(they change their mass, though). These are called Isotopes.