Which statement accurately describes the relationship between atomic number and the identity of an element?
Understand the Problem
The question asks about the relationship between an element's atomic number and its identity. It requires understanding that the atomic number (number of protons) defines what element an atom is.
Answer
The atomic number equals the number of protons in the nucleus, defining the element.
The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus and uniquely identifies the element.
Answer for screen readers
The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus and uniquely identifies the element.
More Information
The atomic number determines its position on the periodic table.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing atomic number with atomic mass. The atomic number is the number of protons; the atomic mass is the total mass of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
Sources
- Atomic number - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- Atomic number, atomic mass, and isotopes (article) - Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
- MCQ On Elements And Atomic Structure! Trivia Quiz - ProProfs - proprofs.com
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