What subatomic particle determines the identity of an element?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking which subatomic particle is responsible for defining the identity of an element in terms of its atomic structure.
Answer
The proton
The proton determines the identity of an element by defining its atomic number.
Answer for screen readers
The proton determines the identity of an element by defining its atomic number.
More Information
The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom is unique to each element and is referred to as the atomic number. No two elements can have the same number of protons.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing protons with electrons or neutrons; however, protons are the only subatomic particles that determine the element's identity.
Sources
- Lecture 2: The Proton - FSU Chemistry - chem.fsu.edu
- Which subatomic particle determines the identity of an element? - homework.study.com
- What is the subatomic particle that determines the name of an atom? - socratic.org
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