Question

Identify the element with atomic number $10$.
A. Neon
B. Calcium
C. Nitrogen
D. Silicon

Answer 1

Hint:
Atomic number provides all information about the elements.
The element with atomic number $10$ is neon.

Complete step by step solution
Neon is denoted with the symbol Ne. The electronic configuration of Neon is $$2,8$$. From electronic configuration of the neon, it is clear that neon has 8 electrons in its outermost or valence shell. That means neon has completed its octet and is in the inert or stable state.

Neon is a noble gas which is colourless and odourless. After helium being in the first position the neon is the second lightest noble gas.
Atomic number of any element is also known as the proton number as it denotes the number of protons in the nucleus of the atom of that element. It's denoted by Z. The atomic number of any element provides it a unique identity which distinguishes it from the other elements. The atomic number also gives the information about the number of electrons present in the atom of the element and this electronic configuration leads to the base for the principles of quantum mechanics. Thus, we can say that it is the atomic number of an element which determines the chemical properties of the element. In case of neon also, we can observe that it is the atomic number which gives us information about the number of electrons in the atom of neon with the help of which we are able to determine its electronic configuration and finally all the chemical properties of the neon.

Hence, option (A) Neon, is the correct option.

Note:
Thus, neon is the element with the atomic number $10$. It is the atomic number of the neon with the help of which we are able to know its electronic configuration which tells us that neon is in its inert or stable state. It does not require either to lose electrons or to gain the same in order to gain stability.