Question

The atomic number is always the same as the number of neutrons in an element.

Is the statement true or false?

Responses

true
true

false

Answer 1

The statement is false.

The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in its nucleus, not the number of neutrons. The number of neutrons can vary in atoms of the same element, leading to different isotopes. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons, which is equal to the atomic number as well.