Question

Which neutral atom would have 15 electrons and 16 neutrons?
Responses

sulfur
sulfur

phosphorus
phosphorus

silicon
silicon

chlorine

Answer 1

A neutral atom has the same number of electrons as protons. Since the atom in question has 15 electrons, it must also have 15 protons. The element with 15 protons is phosphorus (symbol P).

To determine the mass number of the atom, you add the number of protons and neutrons together:
Mass number = Protons + Neutrons = 15 + 16 = 31.

So, the neutral atom with 15 electrons and 16 neutrons is phosphorus.

The correct response is **phosphorus**.