A sorter must choose the core metalloid from these labeled cards: gold with 79 protons, oxygen with 8, silicon with 14, and chlorine with 17. Enter the proton count on the selected card.
Correct answer
14
Explanation
Silicon is the core metalloid in the set, so its card supplies the proton count 14. Gold is metallic, while oxygen and chlorine are nonmetal examples rather than metalloids.