Answer :
I'd be happy to help with that. When determining what element an atom is, the key factor is the number of protons it contains. The number of protons uniquely identifies an element. Here's how it works:
1. The number of protons in an atom is called the atomic number.
2. Each element on the periodic table has a specific atomic number.
3. For example, hydrogen has 1 proton, helium has 2 protons, and so on.
4. If you change the number of protons in an atom, you are essentially changing the element itself.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question "What determines what element the atom is?" is: the number of protons.
1. The number of protons in an atom is called the atomic number.
2. Each element on the periodic table has a specific atomic number.
3. For example, hydrogen has 1 proton, helium has 2 protons, and so on.
4. If you change the number of protons in an atom, you are essentially changing the element itself.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question "What determines what element the atom is?" is: the number of protons.