Question

The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the chemical properties of an element

and its place in the periodic table. Elements are placed in order on the periodic table using their atomic numbers as identification.
Using the graphic provided and your understanding of element properties, what is the mass number of Sulphur?
A. 14
B. 16
C. 28
D. 32

Answer 1

The atomic number of sulfur is 16, and the mass number for its most common isotope is 32, so the correct answer to the mass number of sulfur is option D. 32.

Step-by-step explanation:

The atomic number (Z) of an element is defined as the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element. Sulfur has an atomic number of 16, meaning it has 16 protons. Its mass number (A) is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons. To find the mass number, we can subtract the atomic number from a known isotope's mass number. For sulfur, the most common isotope has a mass number of 32. Therefore, the mass number of sulfur is 32, making the correct answer D. 32.