Question

Which statement accurately describes the atoms of a specific element?A.A tin, Sn, atom contains 118 electrons outside the nucleus and 50 neutrons inside the nucleusB.A zinc, Zn, atom contains 65 electrons and 65 protons inside the nucleusC.A carbon, C, atom contains 6 protons inside the nucleus and 6 electrons outside the nucleusD.An aluminum, Al, atom contains 26 protons inside the nucleus and 13 neutrons outside the nucleusHelp pleasee

Answer 1

The correct description of a carbon atom is that it contains 6 protons inside the nucleus and 6 electrons outside the nucleus, reflecting its atomic number of 6.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct description of the atoms of a specific element among the given options is C: A carbon, C, atom contains 6 protons inside the nucleus and 6 electrons outside the nucleus. Atoms are composed of a central nucleus made up of protons and neutrons, with electrons orbiting around this nucleus. By definition, the number of protons (which is the atomic number) uniquely identifies an element. For carbon, the atomic number is 6, which means it has 6 protons. A neutral atom has the same number of electrons as it does protons. Therefore, a neutral carbon atom will also have 6 electrons.

Answer 2

In the atomic structure, the number of protons determines the element's identity. Thus correct option is C. A carbon, C, atom contains 6 protons inside the nucleus and 6 electrons outside the nucleus.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the atomic structure, the number of protons determines the element's identity. Carbon, denoted by the symbol C, contains 6 protons within its nucleus, defining it as carbon. The atomic number (number of protons) for carbon is 6. The number of electrons in an atom usually equals the number of protons, maintaining electrical neutrality. Therefore, a carbon atom also typically contains 6 electrons orbiting the nucleus in distinct energy levels.

The options presented have discrepancies in their atomic descriptions. Option A suggests that a tin (Sn) atom contains 118 electrons outside the nucleus, which is far greater than the atomic number of tin (Sn), which is 50, based on the number of protons.

Similarly, option B implies that a zinc (Zn) atom has 65 electrons and 65 protons, which would result in an atomic number of 65, while the actual atomic number of zinc is 30. Option D states that an aluminum (Al) atom contains 26 protons and 13 neutrons outside the nucleus. Aluminum has an atomic number of 13, not 26, and the number of neutrons isn't typically equal to the number of protons.

Therefore, the correct description aligns with option C, where a carbon atom consists of 6 protons inside the nucleus and 6 electrons outside, maintaining the standard atomic structure and fulfilling the properties of the carbon element.