Question

Many people believe that the atomic number of the atom is the number of electrons in the atom. Describe when this is the case. A) As the atom absorbs photons the electrons excite and produce unique emission spectrum. B) Through radioactive decay the electrons and neutrons form unique atomic number isotopes. C) When the atom is neutral and the number of electrons and the number of protons are equal. D) Whether the atom is neutral or charged the number of electrons is always a unique identifier.

Answer 1

When the atom is neutral and the number of electrons and the number of protons are equal.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the atom is neutral and the number of electrons and the number of protons are equal.

The atomic number, or proton number, is the described as the number of protons in the nucleus of an chemical element. The only time that the electrons could be considered to identify as element is when the atom is neutral. Then the atom contains the same number of electrons and protons.

Answer 2

The number of electrons in an atom is the same as the atomic number

C) when the atom is neutral, and the number of electrons equals the number of protons.

The number of electrons is never a unique identifier of an atom (it’s the number of protons!).

Thus, electronic excitation and radioactive decay are also incorrect options.