Question 1
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
- A. The total number of protons and neutrons
- B. The number of neutrons
- C. The number of protons
- D. The total mass of the atom
Answer
The number of protons
Explanation
The atomic number is defined as the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
Common mistake
Counting Subatomic Particles
Students often confuse the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in atoms and ions, leading to incorrect calculations.
To determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons, remember that the atomic number indicates the number of protons, the mass number is the total of protons and neutrons, and for neutral atoms, the number of electrons equals the number of protons.
Related flashcards
Flashcard 1 of 5
Press Space to flip, arrows to move
Related practice questions
Question 1 of 5
Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.
0 of 4 attempted