33. An element has 6 protons, 6 electrons, and 6 neutrons. What is its atomic number?
Answer: A
The atomic number of the element is 6.
The atomic number of an element is defined by the number of protons in its nucleus. Since this element has 6 protons, its atomic number is 6.
A) 6
This option is correct because the atomic number is equal to the number of protons in an atom. With 6 protons, this element clearly has an atomic number of 6.
B) 12
This option is incorrect as it suggests that the atomic number is based on the total number of protons and neutrons combined. However, the atomic number specifically refers only to the number of protons, which in this case is 6.
C) 18
This option is incorrect for the same reason as option B. The atomic number cannot be determined by adding protons and neutrons together, and in this case, it remains 6 due to the presence of only 6 protons.
D) Not enough information
This option is incorrect because the information provided is sufficient to determine the atomic number, which is solely based on the number of protons present.
Conclusion
The correct answer is 6, as the atomic number is defined exclusively by the count of protons in an atom’s nucleus. Other options are incorrect either because they misinterpret the definition of atomic number or suggest that insufficient information is provided when, in fact, the information given is adequate.