Question

the number of protons in an atom is known as the ____. it is the ____ of the two numbers shown in most periodic tables.

Explanation:

The number of protons in an atom is defined as the atomic number. In the periodic table, the atomic number is typically the smaller of the two numbers associated with an element (the other being atomic mass). So the first blank is "atomic number" and the second blank (describing its position among the two numbers) is "smaller" (or "lower", consistent with the context of periodic table numbering where atomic number is often the left - most or top - most number, smaller in value compared to atomic mass for most elements).

Answer:

First blank: atomic number; Second blank: smaller (or lower)