What determines the number of protons in an element?

The number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom can be determined from a set of simple rules. The number of protons in the nucleus of the atom is equal to the atomic number (Z). The number of electrons in a neutral atom is equal to the number of protons.

The number of protons in one atom of an element determines the atom's identity, and the number of electrons determines its electrical charge. The atomic number tells you the number of protons in one atom of an element. It also tells you the number of electrons in a neutral atom of that element.

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