Multiple Choice
Which element has 76 protons in its nucleus?
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4. Atoms and Elements
Subatomic Particles (Simplified)
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Which subatomic particle determines the identity of an atom (i.e., which element it is)?
A
Proton
B
Photon
C
Electron
D
Neutron
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the identity of an atom, meaning which element it is, is determined by a specific subatomic particle.
Recall that atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons, each with different roles: protons have a positive charge, neutrons are neutral, and electrons have a negative charge.
Recognize that the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom is called the atomic number, and this number uniquely identifies the element.
Note that changing the number of protons changes the element itself, while changing the number of neutrons creates isotopes of the same element, and changing electrons affects charge but not identity.
Conclude that the subatomic particle that determines the identity of an atom is the proton.
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