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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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Wiki User

14y ago

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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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AnswerBot

10mo ago
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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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Wiki User

14y ago
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Because there is no such thing as a fraction of an electron.

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Wiki User

7y ago
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because you cant have a partial electron

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Wiki User

15y ago
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Q: Why are atomic numbers always whole numbers?
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