Question

4 multiple choice 1 point what determines the atomic number of an element? the number of neutrons the number of electrons the number of protons the mass of the atom clear my selection

Explanation:

To determine the atomic number of an element, we recall the fundamental definition in chemistry (a subfield of Natural Science). The atomic number is defined as the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element. Neutrons affect the mass number (not atomic number), electrons can change (e.g., in ions), and the mass of the atom is related to the mass number (sum of protons and neutrons). So the number of protons determines the atomic number.

Answer:

C. The number of protons