Sulfur (S)
* Protons: Sulfur has an atomic number of 16, meaning it has 16 protons.
* Electrons: In a neutral atom, the number of protons and electrons is equal. So, sulfur also has 16 electrons.
Carbon (C)
* Protons: Carbon has an atomic number of 6, meaning it has 6 protons.
* Electrons: Similarly, carbon also has 6 electrons in its neutral state.
Key Point: The number of protons defines an element. The number of electrons can change, creating ions (atoms with a net positive or negative charge).