The atomic number is defined as:

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Multiple Choice

The atomic number is defined as:

Explanation:
The atomic number tells how many protons are in the nucleus. That single count uniquely identifies the element and sets its place on the periodic table. The other quantities describe different properties: neutrons contribute to isotopes and affect atomic mass; atomic mass is protons plus neutrons; the total number of electrons can vary in ions and isn’t what defines the element. Since the number of protons defines the element itself, the atomic number is the number of protons.

The atomic number tells how many protons are in the nucleus. That single count uniquely identifies the element and sets its place on the periodic table. The other quantities describe different properties: neutrons contribute to isotopes and affect atomic mass; atomic mass is protons plus neutrons; the total number of electrons can vary in ions and isn’t what defines the element. Since the number of protons defines the element itself, the atomic number is the number of protons.

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