Question

The number of protons is equal to ________ in a neutral atom.

• A. atomic weight
• B. atomic number
• C. number of electrons
• D. both B and C

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

both B and C

The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom of an element. Atoms are electrically neutral. That means that there must be a balance between the positively charged protons and the negatively charged electrons.

Thus, atoms must have equal numbers of protons and electrons.

Hence, the correct option is $\text{D}$