Video Transcript
An atom of sulfur has 16 protons in
its nucleus. What is the atomic number of
sulfur?
Atomic number can be used to
distinguish one element from another. All 118 known elements have their
own unique atomic number. When looking at the periodic table,
the atomic number frequently appears above the element symbol in each cell. The atomic number indicates the
number of protons in the nucleus of all atoms, ions, and isotopes of that
element.
We are told in the question that an
atom of sulfur has 16 protons in its nucleus. If an atom of sulfur has 16 protons
and the atomic number indicates the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom,
then the atomic number of sulfur must be 16. This means that all atoms, ions,
and isotopes of sulfur must contain 16 protons.
In conclusion, we have determined
that the atomic number of sulfur is 16.
