Which statement correctly describes the number of protons in each atom of an element?

• A. The number of protons in an atom is always equal to the number of neutrons.
• B. The number of protons in an atom can change during chemical reactions.
• C. All atoms of a given element have the same number of protons.
• D. Atoms of the same element may have different numbers of protons.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the defining characteristic of an element is its atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of each atom of that element.
2. Understand that all atoms of a given element must have the same number of protons because changing the number of protons would change the element itself.
3. Recognize that the number of neutrons can vary among atoms of the same element, leading to different isotopes, but this does not affect the element's identity.
4. Note that the number of protons does not change during chemical reactions; chemical reactions involve rearrangement of electrons, not changes in the nucleus.
5. Therefore, the correct statement is: 'All atoms of a given element have the same number of protons.'