Multiple Choice
How many protons does a lithium (Li) atom have?
2. Atoms & Elements
The Atom
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which number is equal to the number of protons in an atom?
A
Mass number
B
Neutron number
C
Atomic number
D
Electron number
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that an atom is composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons. The protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus, while electrons orbit around the nucleus.
The atomic number of an element is defined as the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. It is a unique identifier for each element and determines the element's identity.
The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. It is not the same as the atomic number.
The neutron number is the difference between the mass number and the atomic number. It represents the number of neutrons in the nucleus.
The electron number in a neutral atom is equal to the number of protons, but it is not used to define the atomic number. The atomic number is solely determined by the number of protons.
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