An element has 6 protons, 6 electrons, and 6 neutrons. What is its atomic number?

Rationale

The atomic number of the element is 6.

The atomic number of an element is defined by the number of protons it contains. In this case, since the element has 6 protons, its atomic number is 6, which also identifies it as carbon on the periodic table.

A (6) CORRECT

This choice accurately represents the atomic number of the element, which corresponds directly to its number of protons. Since the element has 6 protons, its atomic number is indeed 6, confirming its identification as carbon.

B (12) YOUR ANSWER

This choice represents the mass number of the element, which is the sum of protons and neutrons. Here, the mass number is 6 protons + 6 neutrons = 12. However, the question specifically asks for the atomic number, not the mass number, making this choice incorrect.

C (18) YOUR ANSWER

This choice suggests an atomic number that is not relevant to the given information. An atomic number of 18 would imply an element with 18 protons, such as argon, which contradicts the fact that the element in question has only 6 protons. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

D (Not enough information) YOUR ANSWER

This choice incorrectly implies that the provided details are insufficient to determine the atomic number. However, the number of protons (6) is clearly given in the question, making it possible to accurately identify the atomic number. Thus, this choice is also incorrect.

Conclusion

The atomic number is a fundamental property of an element, defined explicitly by the count of protons in its nucleus. In this scenario, the element with 6 protons unequivocally has an atomic number of 6, identifying it as carbon. Choices that refer to the mass number or suggest a lack of information do not apply, as the number of protons directly provides the necessary identification.

An element has 6 protons, 6 electrons, and 6 neutrons. What is its atomic number?

The atomic number of the element is 6.

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