The Number of Protons in an Atom's Nucleus Determines Its

Multiple Choice

The number of protons in an atom's nucleus determines its atomic number and the name of the element. For example, all atoms with six protons are carbon atoms, and all those with eight protons are oxygen atoms. Free atoms (those not combined with other atoms) have the same number of electrons as protons. Therefore, carbon has six electrons to match its six protons, and oxygen has eight electrons to match its eight protons. Frederick K. Lutgens, et al., Foundations of Earth Science, 6^th ed.

A) Argument; conclusion: The number of protons ... the name of the element.
B) Argument; conclusion: Free atoms ... same number of electrons as protons.
C) Nonargument.
D) Argument; conclusion: For example, all atoms with six protons ... oxygen atoms.
E) Argument; conclusion: Carbon has six electrons ... to match its eight protons.