The atomic number for an atom of a specific element is equal to

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The atomic number of an element is defined as the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. This number uniquely identifies an element and determines its position in the periodic table. Therefore, the correct option is C, which states that the atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in a single atom of that element. Option A is incorrect because the number of electrons in an atom can vary depending on its charge, but the atomic number remains constant. Option B is incorrect because the number of neutrons can vary among isotopes of the same element, but the atomic number is always the same. Option D is incorrect because it refers to the mass number of an element, which is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in an atom.

The Atomic Number for an Atom of a Specific Element