Question

If an element has 10 protons and 11 neutrons and 10 electrons, which expression correctly identifies the element? Atomic numbers: Sodium is 11, Neon is 10

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Firstly, it should be noted that atomic number (number of protons) determines element. And the element with the atomic number 10 (10 protons) is Neon. Hence, Neon-10 (₁₀Ne) is the answer.

Note that sodium has an atomic number of 11. Also, number of protons is usually equal to the number of electrons in neutral atoms, this is because the total number of positive particles (protons) must be equal to the total number of negative particles (electrons) to give a neutral atom.