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An atom can't contain only part of a proton, so the number must always be a whole number

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14y ago
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5mo ago

Atomic numbers represent the number of protons in an atom's nucleus, which are always whole numbers because protons are indivisible particles. Atomic numbers cannot be fractions or decimal numbers because they refer to a count of discrete, whole particles.

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14y ago

The atomic nass is not always a whole number, but the atomic number is because its the number of protons and neutrons.

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6y ago

Because there is no such thing as a fraction of an electron.

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14y ago

because you cant have a partial electron

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Q: Why are atomic numbers always whole numbers?
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Related questions

Why are atomic numbers listed as whole numbers?

Atomic numbers are whole numbers because they represent the number of protons in an atom's nucleus, which is a fundamental property of an element. Protons have a positive charge, and each element has a unique number of protons. Consequently, atomic numbers are always listed as whole numbers in the periodic table to reflect this inherent characteristic.


Why is the atomic number on the periodic tabe never a whole number?

The question is based on a complete lack of understanding as to what the atomic number is! They are always, without exception, whole numbers.


What element has the atomic number for 3.14?

There is no element with the atomic number 3.14. Atomic numbers are whole numbers that represent the number of protons in an atom's nucleus.


Do all isotopes have whole number atomic masses?

No, not all isotopes have whole number atomic masses. Isotopes are variations of an element with different numbers of neutrons, so their atomic masses can differ slightly from whole numbers due to the weighted average of the masses of the isotopes present in a natural sample.


Why are different whole numbers not always a whole number?

Different whole numbers are always whole numbers, but I suspect you meant to ask about the difference between whole numbers. You can subtract two whole numbers and get a negative result. Whole numbers can't be negative.


Why atomic mass is always a whole number but atomic weight may be a decimal number?

Atomic mass is the total mass of protons and neutrons in an atom, which are whole numbers. Atomic weight, on the other hand, takes into account the abundance of different isotopes of an element, which can result in a weighted average that may be a decimal number.


Why is the relative atomic mass of chloride not a whole number?

Because relitive atomic masses are NEVER whole numbers.


Is the difference of 2 whole numbers always a whole number?

Yes, the difference of two whole numbers is always a whole number.


Why are all atomic numbers whole numbers?

The atomic number is the number of protons.


Is 40.08 the atomic number?

No. Atomic number is always a whole number. This would be the atomic mass.


Is the product of whole numbers always whole numbers?

Yes normally they produce whole numbers or integers


How often are whole numbers integers?

Always. By definition the Integers are the whole numbers; and the whole numbers are the integers.