Questions: 1. The atomic number tells you the a. number of neutrons in the nucleus. b. number of protons in the atom. c. atomic mass of the atom. d. number of its electrons if the atom is neutral. e. Both b and d are correct.

Solution Steps

The atomic number of an element is a fundamental property that defines the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. This is a unique identifier for each element.

• Option a: The number of neutrons in the nucleus is not determined by the atomic number; it is determined by the difference between the atomic mass and the atomic number.
• Option b: The number of protons in the atom is indeed given by the atomic number.
• Option c: The atomic mass is not the same as the atomic number; it includes both protons and neutrons.
• Option d: In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons, which is given by the atomic number.
• Option e: Both b and d are correct, as the atomic number tells us the number of protons and, in a neutral atom, the number of electrons.

Final Answer