Question

a student is looking for an element with 79 protons. which of the following is the best explanation for how to find this element on the periodic table?
look at the number at the bottom of the square called the atomic mass.
look at the number at the top of the square called the atomic number.
look at the name of the element and count how many letters are present.
look at the element symbol and count how many letters it is into the alphabet.

Explanation:

The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus. On the periodic - table, the atomic number is displayed at the top of the element's square.

Answer:

Look at the number at the top of the square called the atomic number.