Question
Question: The number of protons in an atom is: (A) Ionization Energy. (B) Electronegativity (C) Atomic R...
The number of protons in an atom is:
(A) Ionization Energy.
(B) Electronegativity
(C) Atomic Radius.
(D) Atomic Number.
(E) Mass Number.
Solution
We know that we know that an atom comprises a positive charge nucleus, with negatively charged particles called electrons surrounding the nucleus. We also know that the atomic nucleus consists of protons and neutrons present in them.
Complete answer:
The protons and neutrons are present inside a small, dense region present at the center of the atom called a nucleus. We know that the neutrons and protons are present inside the nucleus. The neutron and protons are collectively called nucleons. We know that the atom contains positively charged nucleus present at its center and negatively charged particles known as electrons, which revolve around the nucleus in circulating paths called orbitals. The nucleus and electrons are bound together by the means of electrostatic force.
The mass of the atom is concentrated in the nucleus with a small part from the cloud of electrons. The sum of the protons and neutrons in the nucleus is known as mass number. The number of protons present in the nucleus is known as atomic number. For an element the top left number represents the mass number and the bottom left number represents the atomic number.
The letter A represents mass number. The letter Z represents atomic numbers. Atomic number of an element tells about the number of protons present. Atomic number = Number of protons .
Number of protons in an atom is called the atomic number. Sum of protons and neutrons given atomic mass number. Atomic number is represented by Z. Example: Number of protons in nitrogen is 7 which makes its atomic number as 7.
Therefore, the correct answer is option D.
Note:
Remember that Let us take an example of an element having atomic number 12, the number of protons and electrons present in the element will also be 12. Every element in the periodic table will have a different number of protons. Since an atom contains the same number of protons and electrons, we can say an atom is neutral in terms of electrical charge. The atomic number of the element is written front and slightly below the symbol of the element.