Gold atoms can be identified based on the number of which subatomic particles?

• A. Neutrons
• B. Quarks
• C. Protons
• D. Electrons

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that atoms of an element are defined by their number of protons, which is called the atomic number.
2. Recognize that the number of protons in the nucleus uniquely identifies the element; for gold, this number is fixed and specific.
3. Note that neutrons can vary in number, leading to different isotopes of the same element, but do not change the element identity.
4. Recall that electrons can vary in number due to ionization but do not define the element itself.
5. Quarks are subatomic particles that make up protons and neutrons but are not used to identify elements directly.