Multiple Choice
Which element has an atom with the electron configuration 2-5, and how many protons does it contain?
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2. Atoms & Elements
The Atom
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Which of the following determines the type of element that an atom is?
A
The number of electrons in the atom
B
The number of protons in the nucleus
C
The total mass of the atom
D
The number of neutrons in the nucleus
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that an element is defined by its atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
Recall that the number of protons uniquely identifies an element because each element has a distinct number of protons.
Recognize that the number of electrons can vary in ions, and the number of neutrons can vary in isotopes, but these do not change the element itself.
Note that the total mass of the atom depends on both protons and neutrons, but mass alone does not determine the element type.
Conclude that the key factor determining the type of element is the number of protons in the nucleus.
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