Question

how are the atomic number and the number of protons related to each other? how do the number of protons, number of neutrons, and the mass number relate to each other? what is the one thing that determines the identity of an atom (that is, whether it is an oxygen atom or a carbon atom, etc.)?

Explanation:

1. The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in the nucleus of its atom. This is a fundamental definition in chemistry.
2. The mass number of an atom is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus. Mathematically, Mass number = Number of protons + Number of neutrons.
3. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus determines the identity of the atom. Different elements have different numbers of protons. For example, oxygen has 8 protons and carbon has 6 protons.

Answer:

1. The atomic number is equal to the number of protons.
2. Mass number = Number of protons + Number of neutrons.
3. The number of protons determines the identity of an atom.