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Multiple Choice
An element has eight protons, nine neutrons, and eight electrons. Its atomic number and atomic mass, respectively, are __________.
A
8 and 16
B
9 and 16
C
9 and 17
D
8 and 17
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the atomic number of an element, which is equal to the number of protons in the nucleus. In this case, the element has eight protons.
Recognize that the atomic number is a unique identifier for each element and determines the element's position on the periodic table. Therefore, the atomic number is 8.
Calculate the atomic mass of the element by adding the number of protons and neutrons. The formula is: .
Substitute the given values into the formula: .
Conclude that the atomic mass is the sum of protons and neutrons, which is 17. Therefore, the atomic number and atomic mass are 8 and 17, respectively.