The number of protons determines an element's atomic number (Z) and distinguishes one element from another. For example, carbon's atomic number (Z) is 6 because it has 6 protons. The number of neutrons can vary to produce isotopes, which are atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons.
The number of protons determines an elements atomic number and distinguishes one element from another. For example, carbons atomic number is six because it has six protons. The number of neutrons can vary to produce isotopes, which are atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons
