if the number of ____ in an atom is changed, it is no longer the same element.
a)proton
b)neutron
c)electron
I'm thinking it's A, what do you think?
It could be multiple answers, too.
The correct answer is a, as you said.
:)
You are correct in thinking that changing the number of protons in an atom would result in a different element. The number of protons in an atom determines its atomic number, which defines the element. So, if the number of protons changes, the element itself changes.
However, it is also worth noting that changing the number of electrons in an atom can also result in a different element. Electrons are responsible for the chemical behavior of an atom, and different elements have different numbers of electrons in their outermost energy level. Changing the number of electrons in an atom can significantly alter its chemical properties and reactivity, thereby changing it into a different element.
On the other hand, changing the number of neutrons in an atom does not change its identity as an element. Neutrons play a role in determining the isotope of an element, but they do not affect its fundamental atomic properties or the element's identity.
Therefore, the correct answers are both A) proton and C) electron, as changing the number of protons or electrons in an atom would result in a different element.