How many protons are in a chlorine atom?

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Multiple Choice

How many protons are in a chlorine atom?

Explanation:
Protons determine the identity of an element. Chlorine is defined by having 17 protons, so any chlorine atom has 17 protons. The mass number (like 35 or 37) includes both protons and neutrons, which is why those numbers can vary for chlorine. For example, Cl-35 has 17 protons and 18 neutrons (35 − 17 = 18), while Cl-37 has 17 protons and 20 neutrons. So 17 protons is the correct count.

Protons determine the identity of an element. Chlorine is defined by having 17 protons, so any chlorine atom has 17 protons. The mass number (like 35 or 37) includes both protons and neutrons, which is why those numbers can vary for chlorine. For example, Cl-35 has 17 protons and 18 neutrons (35 − 17 = 18), while Cl-37 has 17 protons and 20 neutrons. So 17 protons is the correct count.

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