To determine which element has the least number of protons in the nucleus, we need to compare the atomic numbers given in the table. The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons found in the nucleus of its atoms.
Here are the atomic numbers for each element:
- Oxygen: 8
- Lithium: 3
- Hydrogen: 1
- Carbon: 6
We need to identify which element has the smallest atomic number. Let's list the atomic numbers in ascending order:
1. Hydrogen: 1
2. Lithium: 3
3. Carbon: 6
4. Oxygen: 8
From this ordered list, we see that Hydrogen has the smallest atomic number of 1.
Therefore, the element with the least number of protons in the nucleus is Hydrogen.
