Which term denotes the number of protons in the nucleus?

Which term denotes the number of protons in the nucleus?

• A. Electron
• B. Mass number
• C. Atomic number
• D. Neutron

Answer: (C)

In atomic structure, the number of protons in the nucleus is called the atomic number. This count identifies the element itself and largely determines its chemical properties. It’s the protons that give the nucleus its positive charge, while the mass number (protons plus neutrons) reflects the total number of nucleons. The electron is a separate particle that orbits the nucleus, and the neutron is another type of nucleon inside the nucleus with no charge. So the term for the number of protons in the nucleus is atomic number.

In atomic structure, the number of protons in the nucleus is called the atomic number. This count identifies the element itself and largely determines its chemical properties. It’s the protons that give the nucleus its positive charge, while the mass number (protons plus neutrons) reflects the total number of nucleons. The electron is a separate particle that orbits the nucleus, and the neutron is another type of nucleon inside the nucleus with no charge. So the term for the number of protons in the nucleus is atomic number.