Humber Admissions Practice Test

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What does the atomic number indicate?

  1. The number of neutrons in an atom

  2. The total number of protons and electrons

  3. The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom

  4. The number of electrons in each shell

The correct answer is: The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom

The atomic number is a fundamental property of an element that indicates the number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom. This number uniquely identifies an element, as each element on the periodic table has a distinct atomic number. Since protons are positively charged, the atomic number also determines the overall charge of the nucleus, influencing the atom's chemical behavior and its placement in the periodic table. In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons, which contributes to option B; however, it is the number of protons that defines the atomic number specifically. Choices such as the number of neutrons in an atom and the number of electrons in each shell do not pertain to the atomic number, as they are related to different aspects of atomic structure. The atomic number exclusively reflects the count of protons, underscoring its vital role in characterizing elements.

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