Question

multiple choice question
the atomic number equals the number of
a. electrons
b. neutrons
c. the mass
d. protons
submit

Explanation:

The atomic number of an element is defined as the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons, but the atomic number specifically refers to protons. Neutrons contribute to the mass number (protons + neutrons), not the atomic number. Mass is a property related to protons and neutrons together (mass number) but not what the atomic number represents.

Answer:

D. protons