What does it mean oxygen has 8 protons?

Answer 1

In an Oxygen atom's nucleus, there are 8 protons. In a neutral atom, there are also 8 electrons. Oxygen also has an atomic (protonic) number of 8, meaning that it has 8 protons. On the Periodic Table, elements are listed according to increasing atomic numbers.

Answer 2

If an oxygen atom has 8 protons what is needed to form a positively charged ion?

Answer 3

Yes, it would be a different element it it did not.

But, It can have a different number of neutrons and/or electrons and remain the same element.

Answer 4

Oxygen has 8 protons in its nucleus, which is its atomic number. The number of protons determines its chemical properties and its place on the periodic table as element number 8.