Question

Which of the following defines the atomic number of a given element? The number of protons in the atomic nucleus. The number of electrons in an atom of a given element. The number of protons and neutrons in the atomic nucleus. The number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom of a given element.

Answer 1

The number of protons in the atomic nucleus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons that are in the nucleus.

For example, Silicon has an atomic number of 14, so it has 14 protons in the nucleus.