what does an atomic number represent in an atom?\nnumber of protons\nnumber of protons and neutrons\nnumber…

what does an atomic number represent in an atom?\nnumber of protons\nnumber of protons and neutrons\nnumber of electrons\nnumber of neutrons
Answer
Brief Explanations:
The atomic number of an atom is defined as the number of protons in its nucleus. This number determines the element's identity. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons, but the atomic number specifically refers to protons. The sum of protons and neutrons is the mass - number.
Answer:
number of protons