Question

what does the atomic number equal in a neutral atom?
the number of protons and also the number of electrons
the number of protons + neutrons
the number of protons

Explanation:

The atomic number of an element is defined as the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons to maintain electrical neutrality. So the atomic number also equals the number of electrons in a neutral atom.

Answer:

the number of protons and also the number of electrons