Question detail

What does the atomic number of an element indicate?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Atoms and isotopes

Question

  1. A. The total mass of the atom
  2. B. The number of electrons in a neutral atom
  3. C. The type of chemical bonds it can form
  4. D. The number of neutrons in the nucleus

Answer

The number of electrons in a neutral atom

Explanation

In a neutral atom, the atomic number indicates the number of protons, which is equal to the number of electrons.

Common mistake

Confusing Atomic Number and Mass Number

Students often confuse atomic number with mass number, thinking both refer to the same quantity.

Remind students that atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus, while mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons.

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