Why is it impossible for an element to have an atomic number of 110.5? (1 point)

Question

The atomic number is the number of protons, which is always a whole number.

Atoms with atomic numbers greater than 100 are unstable.

Atoms of an element all have the same whole number of protons and neutrons

Exactly half of the isotopes would need an atomic number of 110, and half would need an atomic number of 111, which is very unlikely.

Answer 1

The correct reason why it is impossible for an element to have an atomic number of 110.5 is:

The atomic number is the number of protons, which is always a whole number.

Atomic numbers represent the count of protons in the nucleus of an atom, and since protons are discrete particles, the number of protons (and thus the atomic number) must be a whole number, making 110.5 impossible.