The element with an atomic number of 15 is phosphorus (P). An atomic number defines the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, so phosphorus has 15 protons.
In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons. Therefore, if this phosphorus atom has 15 electrons, it is neutral and has no overall charge.
Now, let’s break down the information provided:
- Protons: 15 (the atomic number)
- Electrons: 15 (equal to protons in a neutral atom)
- Neutrons: 16 (does not affect the charge)
To summarize, phosphorus has 15 protons, 15 electrons, and since these two numbers are equal, the atom has a charge of 0, making it neutral.