Answer: The atomic number of an element is determined by the number of protons present in an atom.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are 3 sub-atomic particles in an atom. They are: electrons, protons and neutrons.
- Protons: They carry positive charger and are found in nucleus.
- Electrons: They carry negative charge and are found around the nucleus.
- Neutrons: They dos not carry any charge and are found in nucleus.
Atomic number is defined as the number of protons that are present in a neutral atom. It is represented as Z.
Z = Atomic number = Number of protons
Hence, the atomic number of an element is determined by the number of protons present in an atom.