How many protons are in the nucleus of an atom of oxygen?

1 Answer
In Scientia Opportunitas
Dec 5, 2015

The atomic number tells us how many protons are in the nucleus for any given element.

Explanation:

Oxygen is atomic number 8.

Therefore, its nucleus contains 8 protons.

Protons are positively charged. One proton has a charge of #+1#. In order for the atom to be in a neutral state, we need something to counter the charge of the proton. So we have electrons, which are negatively charged. One electron has a charge of #-1#.

So the atomic number not only tells us the number of protons in an atom, but also the number of electrons.

Oxygen has 8 protons, and 8 electrons.

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