Question detail

What does the atomic number of an element represent?

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

The number of protons in the nucleus

The atomic number is defined as the number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom, which also determines the element's identity.

Confusing Mass Number and Atomic Number

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

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

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