Which of the following elements has the highest combined number of protons and neutrons?

Group of answer choices

Nitrogen: 14 amu

Boron: 10 amu

Oxygen: 16 amu

Hydrogen: 1 amu

1 answer

To determine which element has the highest combined number of protons and neutrons, we can look at the atomic mass (amu) values given. The atomic mass is approximately equal to the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom, since electrons have negligible mass compared to protons and neutrons.

Let's break down the options:

  • Nitrogen: 14 amu
  • Boron: 10 amu
  • Oxygen: 16 amu
  • Hydrogen: 1 amu

Among these, Oxygen has the highest combined number of protons and neutrons with a mass of 16 amu. Thus, the answer is Oxygen.