Question

elements are one type of pure substance. in an element, every atom is the same as every other atom. it has the same properties throughout. all of the known elements on earth are arranged in the periodic table in order of atomic number. thats the number of protons its atoms have. hydrogen is an element with atomic number 1, oxygen is atomic number 8 and chlorine is 17. each element has a symbol on the periodic table. hydrogen is h, oxygen is o and chlorine is cl. because every atom of an element is the same, you cannot break an element down into any smaller unit of matter. which of the following best describes the relationship between oxygen and chlorine? choose one option a oxygen and chlorine have the same symbols. b oxygen atoms have fewer protons than chlorine atoms. c oxygen and chlorine have the same properties. d oxygen atoms have twice as many protons as chlorine atoms.

Explanation:

• Option A: Oxygen symbol is O, chlorine symbol is Cl. Different symbols.
• Option B: Oxygen atomic number (proton number) is 8, chlorine is 17. 8 < 17.
• Option C: Different elements have different properties.
• Option D: 8 is not twice 17 (17×2 = 34).

Answer:

B. Oxygen atoms have fewer protons than chlorine atoms.