The atomic number represents the number of
A)electrons in an atom.
B)protons in an atom.
C)neutrons in an atom.
D)protons and neutrons in an atom.
E)chemical bonds the atom may form.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The atomic number is equal to the number of protons in an atom. This is based on the fact that atoms are electrically neutral and therefore must have an equal number of protons and electrons. The number of neutrons can vary within an element, but the number of protons is always the same and determines the identity of the element.

The Atomic Number Represents the Number of