Question

The atomic number of an atom is always equal to the number of its
a. protons only
b. protons plus neutrons
c. protons plus electrons
d. neutrons olny

Answer 1

a. protons

Answer 2

Can you give me an explination?? @ScruffTheNerfHerder

Answer 3

The atomic number of an element, is literally just the amount of protons in each atom of that element. The number of protons is what defines what element an atom is and since you can have isotopes (more or less neutrons than normal) or ions (more or less electrons than normal), the proton count is what is used to determine what element an atom is.

I hope that helps.

Answer 4

Thank you @scruffthenerfherder
It was very helpful :D