1. Identify the Elements:
* Hydrogen (H)
* Oxygen (O)
2. Atomic Numbers:
* Hydrogen has an atomic number of 1 (1 proton)
* Oxygen has an atomic number of 8 (8 protons)
3. Number of Protons:
* There are 2 hydrogen atoms (2 x 1 proton = 2 protons)
* There are 2 oxygen atoms (2 x 8 protons = 16 protons)
* Total Protons: 2 + 16 = 18 protons
4. Number of Electrons:
* In a neutral molecule, the number of protons and electrons is equal.
* Total Electrons: 18 electrons
Therefore, a molecule of H₂O₂ has 18 protons and 18 electrons.