Chemistry Regents Practice Test 2026 – Complete Prep Resource

Question: 1 / 400

What does the atomic number of an element signify?

The number of neutrons in the nucleus of the atom

The number of electrons in a neutral atom

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom

The atomic number of an element signifies the number of protons in the nucleus of that atom. Protons are positively charged particles, and the atomic number uniquely identifies an element on the periodic table. For example, an element with an atomic number of 6 has 6 protons in its nucleus, which corresponds to carbon. The atomic number also indicates the position of the element in the periodic table and determines its chemical properties.

In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons, but the atomic number specifically refers to protons, making it a fundamental aspect of defining the identity of an element. The total number of nucleons includes both protons and neutrons, but that's a broader measure than what the atomic number represents. Therefore, the atomic number is essential for understanding the structure and characteristics of elements in chemistry.

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The total number of nucleons in the nucleus

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