The atomic number of neon is 10. Therefore, which of the following is most correct about an atom of neon?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The atomic number of neon is 10, which means that it has 10 protons and 10 electrons. The outer electron shell of neon can hold up to 8 electrons. Therefore, an atom of neon has 8 electrons in its outer electron shell. Neon is also inert, meaning it does not readily react with other elements, due to having a full valence shell. Therefore, option D, which states that neon has 8 electrons in its outer electron shell and is inert, is the most correct option. Option A is incorrect because it implies that neon has only 8 electrons total, which is not true. Option B is partly correct, but does not address the number of electrons. Option C is incorrect because it only refers to the atomic mass, which is not related to the number of electrons or the inertness of the atom. Option E is redundant, as it includes all the information from option D along with a statement about atomic mass, which is not necessary for describing an atom of neon.

The Atomic Number of Neon Is 10