Question

How does an atom of one element differ from the atom of another element?

Answer 1

Explanation:

The atoms of one element differs from the atoms of other elements in terms of the number of protons they contain. This is often taken as the atomic number of such an atom.

• The number of proton is the best indicator of the atom one is dealing with.
• Based on this number, elements are categorized into distinct columns and rows on the periodic table.
• The atomic number is the number of protons or positively charge particles in the atom.

II.

It is possible to change the identity of an atom. This is only possible by altering the atomic number of the atom.

Only nuclear reactions have this capability.

When an atom undergoes nuclear reaction that involves change in number of protons, transmutation occurs and a new atom forms.