Answer :
Final answer:
Chemistry recognizes a total of 118 elements, of which 92 occur naturally. The synthetic elements beyond atomic number 92 are generally unstable. Each element is unique, characterized by its number of protons and distinctive properties. The correct answer is option c) 118.
Explanation:
The question "There are about ____ naturally occurring elements, each with its own distinctive physical and chemical properties." aims to identify the number of naturally occurring elements on the periodic table. The correct answer is (a) 118. Currently, chemistry recognizes 118 elements, of which 92 occur naturally. The elements are substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances through ordinary chemical reactions. Each of these elements is unique, possessing a distinct number of protons and unique physical and chemical properties. Furthermore, scientists have synthesized additional elements in the laboratory which are not found in nature, making the total known elements to date in the periodic table 118. These synthetically created elements, beyond atomic number 92, tend to be very unstable.
