The Number of Protons in an Atom's Nucleus Determines Its

question 266

Multiple Choice

The number of protons in an atom's nucleus determines its atomic number and the name of the element. For example, all atoms with six protons are carbon atoms, and all those with eight protons are oxygen atoms. Free atoms (those not combined with other atoms) have the same number of electrons as protons. Therefore, carbon has six electrons to match its six protons, and oxygen has eight electrons to match its eight protons. Frederick K. Lutgens, et al., Foundations of Earth Science, 6^th ed.

• A) Argument; conclusion: The number of protons ... the name of the element.
• B) Argument; conclusion: Free atoms ... same number of electrons as protons.
• C) Nonargument.
• D) Argument; conclusion: For example, all atoms with six protons ... oxygen atoms.
• E) Argument; conclusion: Carbon has six electrons ... to match its eight protons.

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Definitions:

Action Potential

A short-lasting event in which the electrical membrane potential of a cell rapidly rises and falls, allowing nerve cells to communicate.

Contractile Organelle

A cell component that is involved in the contraction and movement processes, such as muscle fibers.

Electromyogram

A diagnostic procedure to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them by recording the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles.

Sarcolemmas

The cell membranes of muscle fibers that enclose the cytoplasm and organelles of muscle cells.