- The atomic number of an element corresponds to the number of protons in its nucleus.
- By consulting the periodic table, we identify that Oxygen, with the chemical symbol O, has 8 protons.
- Comparing this value to the options provided, the correct choice is 08.
- The atomic number of Oxygen is \(\boxed{08}\).
Explanation
- Analysis of the Atomic Number of Oxygen
The atomic number of an element is a fundamental property defined as the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element. This value uniquely identifies a chemical element within the periodic table. To determine the atomic number of Oxygen, we refer to the standard periodic table, where Oxygen is represented by the symbol O. It is positioned in Group 16 and Period 2. The proton count for an Oxygen atom is consistently found to be 8. Comparing this to the given options: a. 12, b. 06, c. 08, d. 16, we can clearly identify that the correct value is 08.
Examples
The atomic number is essential in chemistry for understanding the properties of elements and how they bond to form molecules. For instance, knowing that oxygen has an atomic number of 8 tells us how it fills its electron shells (2 in the inner shell and 6 in the valence shell), which explains why it is highly reactive and forms two covalent bonds with other atoms, such as hydrogen to create water (\(H_2O\)). Recognizing these fundamental numbers allows students to predict chemical behavior and understand the structure of matter.