Argon has an atomic number of 18. How many protons are in an atom of argon? A.) 17 B.) 18 C.) 35 D.) 52
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B) 18.
Explanation:
In an atom, the number of protons is equal to the atomic number. The atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
For argon (Ar), its atomic number is 18. This means that each atom of argon has 18 protons in its nucleus.
- Protons are positively charged particles located in the nucleus of an atom. They are one of the three primary subatomic particles, along with neutrons (which have no charge) and electrons (which are negatively charged).
- The atomic number of an element is unique to each element and determines the identity of the element. For example, any atom with 18 protons is an atom of argon.
- The atomic number also helps determine the element’s position in the periodic table. Argon is a noble gas, and its position as an inert gas is due to its stable electron configuration, with a full outer electron shell (a characteristic of noble gases).
In summary, since argon’s atomic number is 18, this directly indicates that an argon atom contains 18 protons.
\
