The atomic number of an element represents the number of:

protons
electrons
protons and neutrons
neutrons

protons

Explanation:

By definition the atomic number of an element is the number of protons.

The protons are the positevely charged particles in the nucleus of the atom.

The atomic number of an element is what uniquely identifies it. There are 118 known elements and all of them are represented in the periodic table. Then, there are 118 different atomic numbers.

The elements are arranged in the periodic table in increasing order ot atomic number.

For instance:

The element with atomic number 1 is hydrogen (H). It is the first element in the periodic table, located in the upper left corner of the table. It has one proton. NONE  other element has just one proton.The element with atomic number 2 is helium (He). It has two protons, is located at the upper right corner of the periodic table and NONE other element has just two protons.The element with atomic number 118 is Oganesson (Og). It is the last element in the periodic table. It is located in the bottom right corner of the periodic table. It has 118 protons and NONE other element has atomic number 118.

The business cycle is the periodic but irregular up-and-down movement in economic activity, measured by fluctuations in real gross domestic product (gdp) and other macroeconomic variables. a business cycle is typically characterized by four phases—recession, recovery, growth, and decline—that repeat themselves over time. economists note, however, that complete business cycles vary in length. the duration of business cycles can be anywhere from about two to twelve years, with most cycles averaging six years in length. some business analysts use the business cycle model and terminology to study and explain fluctuations in business inventory and other individual elements of corporate operations. but the term "business cycle" is still primarily associated with larger (industry-wide, regional, national, or even international) business trends.