Final answer:
All atoms of a given element have the same number of protons, which defines the element's atomic number. While the number of neutrons can vary, resulting in isotopes, the proton count is constant for a particular element.
Step-by-step explanation:
All atoms of a given element have the same number of protons. This is a fundamental concept in chemistry, as the number of protons (— also known as the atomic number or Z) is unique to each element and defines its identity. For example, carbon-12 (¹²C) has six protons, which is characteristic of all carbon atoms. While the number of neutrons may vary, resulting in different isotopes of an element, the proton count remains constant. For instance, carbon-14 (¹⁴C) is an isotope of carbon with two additional neutrons compared to carbon-12, but it still has six protons.
Neutral atoms will have the same number of electrons as protons, ensuring that the atom has a net charge of zero. However, the number of electrons can change if the atom forms ions. The mass number (A) of an atom is the sum of protons and neutrons, and this varies among isotopes of the same element.
Understanding the atomic structure is crucial for comprehending chemical reactions, as it explains why atoms form bonds with others and how they interact in different environments.