Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Atomic Number
The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which uniquely identifies an element. In a neutral atom, the atomic number also indicates the number of electrons, as the positive charge of protons is balanced by the negative charge of electrons. Therefore, knowing the atomic number allows us to determine the number of electrons in a neutral atom directly.
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Mass Number
The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. While it provides information about the atom's isotopes and overall mass, it does not directly indicate the number of electrons. Thus, the mass number is not necessary for determining the number of electrons in a neutral atom, as this is solely dependent on the atomic number.
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Neutral Atom
A neutral atom is one where the number of protons equals the number of electrons, resulting in no overall charge. This balance is crucial for understanding atomic structure and behavior in chemical reactions. When identifying the number of electrons in a neutral atom, the atomic number is the key factor, as it directly correlates to the number of protons and, consequently, the number of electrons.
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