The atomic number of an element dictates what element it is.
The atomic number of an element equals the number of protons are within the atom's nucleus. The number of protons decide what element the atom is.
Atoms with different atomic numbers (atoms of different elements) have different numbers of protons within their nuclei.
Also, in order for the atom to truly be an "Atom", the number of protons must equal the number of electrons, therefore, with a different atomic number also comes a different number of electrons around the atom.
Often times, although it is not required, atoms of different elements/atomic numbers will have different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei as well, but this is not the case for every isotope of every element.
2006-08-31 08:39:27
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answer #1
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answered by mrjeffy321 7
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In an atom the number of protons equals the number of electrons. That number is the atomic number.
Different numbers mean different elements.
Th
2006-08-31 10:19:56
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answer #2
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answered by Thermo 6
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Atoms of elements with differing atomic numbers have differing numbers of protons, neutrons, and electrons. These are different elements.
Atoms of the same element which have different atomic weights have differing numbers of neutrons, and are called isotopes. Examples are C14 and C16 or U235 and U238.
2006-08-31 08:30:56
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answer #3
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answered by xraytech 4
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Atoms of the comparable factor might desire to contain the comparable quantity of protons. although there might nicely be diverse quantities of neutrons that are referred to as isotopes. changing the quantity of protons differences the factor on a similar time as neutrons in simple terms impact weight. it rather is the reason the periodic table has decimal numbers after the mass.
2016-11-23 16:23:28
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answer #4
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answered by ? 4
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Different numbers of Protons and Electrons.
2006-08-31 08:26:03
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answer #5
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answered by Sniper 4
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different number of electrons
2006-08-31 08:24:36
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answer #6
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answered by Empty Spaces 4
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Sounds like yet another homework question - I wish you'd try to find this out independantly by reading your text book. Sounds like a horrible prospect doesnt it?
2006-08-31 08:24:16
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answer #7
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answered by scotter98 3
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