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The atomic number defines an atom's identity, i.e. element. A group of atoms contatining the same number of protons in their nuclei belong to the same element even if they can have different numbers of neutrons or electrons associated with them. If two atoms have the same number of protons but different number of neutrons, they are called isotopes. If an atom has less or more electrons than its number of protons, it is known as an ion. In certain instances during radioactive decay, the number of protons in an atom's nucleus can actually change. This results in a transmutation (change of one element to another).

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Does an atom retain the chemical identity of an element?

An isotope is an atom that contains a different number of neutrons. In order for an element to change there has to be a different number of protons.


What do you mean by an atom of a molecule?

the smallest particle of an element that maintains its chemical identity through all chemical and physical changes is called an atom


How do you find the chemical element of an atom?

If you know how many protons the atom has, then that can tell you what element from the periodic table is classifying the atom.


The smallest particle of an element that retains its identity in a chemical reaction?

An atom is the smallest particle of an element that can be uniquely identified as that specific element.Note that this question is different from asking "What is the smallest particle in an atom?" (see related question below). Atoms are composed of smaller particles (protons, electrons, and neutrons), but the smallest thing that has the identity of a specific element is the atom.The smallest particle of an element that still retains all that element's properties is called an ATOM.


What two things can you learn from the atomic number of an element?

From the atomic number of an element, you can learn the number of protons in the nucleus of the atom, which determines the element's identity. The atomic number also reveals the placement of the element on the periodic table based on its number of protons, which impacts its chemical properties.


What is the limit of chemical subdivision of an element?

The limit of chemical subdivision of an element is individual atoms, since elements are composed of only one type of atom. Further subdivision would result in altering the fundamental identity of the element.


Is numbers of protons a chemical or physical property?

The number of protons in an atom is a chemical property because it is a defining characteristic of an element. It determines the element's identity and its placement on the periodic table.


Which component of the atom can change its identity to a new element?

Protons determine which element an atom is.


Does every atom of an element show properties of its element?

Yes, every atom of an element possesses the properties that define that element. These properties include the number of protons in the nucleus, which determines its atomic number and chemical behavior. Whether in isolation or as part of a compound, each atom of an element maintains its unique identity.


What is the particle that identifies a atom?

The number of protons in an atom's nucleus determines its chemical identity.


What is the smallest part of an element that displays the chemical properties of an element?

An atom is the smallest part of an element that displays the chemical properties of that element. Each element is defined by the unique number of protons in its atom's nucleus, which determines its chemical behavior.


An atom is the smallest part of?

retains the chemical identity of that element.