Which of the following statements is true about the lithium and the helium atoms?

Question

A.
There is no difference between helium and lithium.
B.
Lithium has more protons, neutrons, and electrons.
C.
Helium has more protons, neutrons, and electrons.
D.
Lithium is much smaller than helium.

Answer 1

The correct statement about lithium and helium atoms is:

B. Lithium has more protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Here's a breakdown:

• Helium has 2 protons and typically 2 neutrons (in its most common isotope), and 2 electrons.
• Lithium has 3 protons, typically 4 neutrons (in its most common isotope), and 3 electrons.

Therefore, lithium (atomic number 3) has more protons, neutrons, and electrons than helium (atomic number 2).

The other statements are false:

• A is false because there is a difference between helium and lithium.
• C is false because helium has fewer protons, neutrons, and electrons than lithium.
• D is false; in fact, lithium is larger than helium due to having more electron shells.