Question

both protons and neutrons are located inside the nucleus of an atom. changing the number of neutrons in the nucleus would form different isotopes of the same element. which of these best describes the outcome of decreasing the number of protons in the nucleus? a the element would become an ion. b the atom would become a different element. c the number of neutrons would also decrease. d the atomic mass of the element would increase.

Explanation:

• Option A: An ion is formed by gaining or losing electrons, not changing protons. So A is incorrect.
• Option B: The number of protons (atomic number) defines an element. Decreasing protons changes the atomic number, so the atom becomes a different element. This is correct.
• Option C: Changing the number of protons doesn't directly cause neutrons to decrease. Neutrons and protons are related to isotopes (neutron change) but not this way. So C is incorrect.
• Option D: Atomic mass is protons + neutrons. Decreasing protons would likely decrease atomic mass (unless neutrons increase a lot, but the question is about decreasing protons, so D is incorrect as it says mass increases).

Answer:

B. The atom would become a different element.