Question

Both 18O and 16O are found in nature. However, 16O is the most common. Therefore,

A) oxygen atoms can have eight or 10 neutrons
B) 18O has two additional electrons in its outer shell
C) only the common form of 16O can bond with hydrogen atoms to form H2O
D) these are different elements
E) 18O is the form of oxygen that provides living cells with life

Answer 1

Oxygen-18 is an isotope of oxygen with two extra neutrons, making it slightly heavier than Oxygen-16.

Step-by-step explanation:

Oxygen-16 (16O) is the most common form of oxygen, with 8 protons and 8 neutrons. Oxygen-18 (18O) is less abundant but has two extra neutrons, making it slightly heavier than 16O. Both 18O and 16O are isotopes of oxygen, meaning they have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Therefore, option A is correct, as oxygen atoms can have eight or ten neutrons.