The property of a neutral atom that defines its chemical behavior and fixes its position in the periodic table is:
A) its physical size.
B) the number of neutrons in the nucleus.
C) the number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus.
D) the number of protons in the nucleus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The number of protons in the nucleus, also known as the atomic number, defines the element and determines its chemical behavior. This number fixes the element's position in the periodic table as elements are arranged according to their increasing atomic number. The physical size of the atom and the number of neutrons in the nucleus are important properties but do not define the element or its position in the periodic table.

The Property of a Neutral Atom That Defines Its Chemical