What is the atomic number of an element?
The number of neutrons in the nucleus of an atom
The total number of protons and neutrons in an atom
The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom
The number of electrons in an atom
Correct Answer: C — The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom
Explanation:
The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus. It defines the element and determines its position in the periodic table.