Final answer:
The element with 22 protons is titanium (Ti) and in its neutral state, it has 22 electrons. The mass number of this isotope of titanium is 48, so with 22 protons, it has 26 neutrons. The correct answer is option (b) 22, 26, 26, representing 22 protons, 26 neutrons, and 22 electrons for the isotope of titanium being considered.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine how many protons, neutrons, and electrons are present in an atom, we use the atomic number, mass number, and charge (if any). The atomic number, usually found below the elemental symbol on the periodic table, represents the number of protons in the nucleus of the atom. It also reveals the number of electrons in a neutral atom, as the number of electrons equals the number of protons to balance the charge.
The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. To find the number of neutrons, simply subtract the atomic number from the mass number. When an ion is indicated, the charge will affect the number of electrons: a positive charge means fewer electrons than protons, and a negative charge means more electrons than protons.
Given the symbols clarification from S15.1.3, the options represent isotopes with different numbers of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Taking this into account, the correct answer that matches an isotope with 22 protons.
This combination reflects an atom of titanium (Ti), which has an atomic number of 22 and would have 26 neutrons if we are considering the isotope ¹⁴₈Ti. Therefore, the correct option is (b) 22, 26, 26.