2024 · Q16
Which one among the following statements with respect to the atomic number of an atom is correct?
general-sciencechemistry
- AThe number of neutrons is same as atomic number
- BThe sum of electrons and neutrons is same as atomic number
- CThe number of protons is same as atomic number
- DThe sum of protons and neutrons is same as atomic number
Explanation
The atomic number (Z) of an atom is defined as the number of protons in its nucleus, and it determines the element's identity and its position in the periodic table. It is not the number of neutrons (option A), nor the sum of electrons and neutrons (option B), nor the sum of protons and neutrons, which is the mass number (option D). In a neutral atom the number of electrons equals the number of protons, but the atomic number itself is the proton count.