Answer :
Final answer:
An element with an atomic number of 79 has 79 protons and, for a neutral atom, also has 79 electrons. The correct answer is option C: 79 protons and 79 electrons, which is true for gold (Au).
Explanation:
The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom is its atomic number (Z), which is the defining characteristic of an element. For a neutral atom, the number of protons also equals the number of electrons. Therefore, an element with an atomic number of 79 will have 79 protons and, in its neutral state, 79 electrons as well. This matches with gold (Au), where in a neutral state, there are 79 protons and 79 electrons.
The correct answer to the student's question is therefore option C: 79 protons and 79 electrons.
Answer:
the answer is C.
Explanation:
atomic number = number of protons
electron= protons (in a neutral atom.)
