Final answer:
The number of protons in an atom, known as the atomic number, distinguishes different elements and remains constant within all atoms of a specific element.
Explanation:
The number of protons in an atom is denoted by the atomic number, which is shown as a number in the periodic table. Atoms of the same element have the same number of protons, and atoms of different elements have different numbers of protons. This defining trait is crucial in identifying elements and is known as the atomic number.
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