What does the atomic number tell us about an atom?

Question

The atomic number tells us how many protons and neutrons are in aa neutral form or element

The atomic number tells us how many protons and electrons are in a neutral atom or element

The atomic number tells us the mass of the atom ot element

Answer 1

The correct statement is: The atomic number tells us how many protons and electrons are in a neutral atom or element.

In a neutral atom, the number of protons (which is the atomic number) is equal to the number of electrons. The atomic number does not indicate the number of neutrons directly; however, the number of neutrons can be determined by subtracting the atomic number from the atomic mass (given in atomic mass units, or amu) for a specific isotope. Additionally, the atomic number does not represent the mass of the atom; that is determined by the combined number of protons and neutrons (nucleons) in the nucleus.