The atom that contains the fewest electrons is __.Multiple choice question.oxygenhydrogenheliumwater

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the atomic structure of the options given in the multiple-choice question.
2. Determine the number of electrons contained in each atom.

Relevant Concepts

1. Atomic Structure: The number of electrons in a neutral atom is equal to the number of protons.
2. Element Composition: Review the atomic numbers of the elements.

Analysis and Detail

1. Hydrogen (H): Atomic number = 1, therefore it has 1 electron.
2. Helium (He): Atomic number = 2, therefore it has 2 electrons.
3. Oxygen (O): Atomic number = 8, therefore it has 8 electrons.
4. Water (H₂O): Not an atom; it is a molecule composed of 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom.

Verify and Summarize

• Hydrogen has 1 electron, which is fewer than Helium (2 electrons), Oxygen (8 electrons), and Water (not applicable).
• Hydrogen is the atom with the fewest electrons.

Final Answer

The atom that contains the fewest electrons is hydrogen.