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Which component of an atom is represented by the atomic number?

a) Protons
b) Neutrons
c) Electrons
d) Nucleus

User Ciro Mine
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom and determines the identity of the atom.

Step-by-step explanation:

The atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom. This is the defining trait of an element and determines the identity of the atom. The atomic number also indicates the number of electrons in an atom because a neutral atom must have the same number of protons and electrons.

User Rob Stoecklein
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