Which statement accurately represents the difference in weight between hydrogen and oxygen?

Which statement accurately represents the difference in weight between hydrogen and oxygen?

• A. Oxygen weighs less than hydrogen
• B. Oxygen and hydrogen weigh the same
• C. Oxygen weighs about 8 times more than hydrogen
• D. Oxygen weighs about 16 times more than hydrogen

Answer: (D)

The correct statement highlights that oxygen weighs about 16 times more than hydrogen due to the differences in their atomic masses. The atomic mass of hydrogen is approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu), while the atomic mass of oxygen is around 16 amu. This substantial difference arises from the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of each atom—oxygen has eight protons and eight neutrons, whereas hydrogen typically has one proton and no neutrons. This fundamental difference in atomic composition directly translates to weight as measured in atomic mass units, making oxygen significantly heavier. Therefore, it is accurate to say that oxygen weighs about 16 times more than hydrogen. Understanding these atomic weights is crucial for various applications in chemistry, including stoichiometry and reactions where these elements interact.

The correct statement highlights that oxygen weighs about 16 times more than hydrogen due to the differences in their atomic masses. The atomic mass of hydrogen is approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu), while the atomic mass of oxygen is around 16 amu. This substantial difference arises from the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of each atom—oxygen has eight protons and eight neutrons, whereas hydrogen typically has one proton and no neutrons.

This fundamental difference in atomic composition directly translates to weight as measured in atomic mass units, making oxygen significantly heavier. Therefore, it is accurate to say that oxygen weighs about 16 times more than hydrogen. Understanding these atomic weights is crucial for various applications in chemistry, including stoichiometry and reactions where these elements interact.