Which one of the following is the most characteristic property of an element?
[amp_mcq option1=”Density” option2=”Boiling point” option3=”Mass number” option4=”Atomic number” correct=”option4″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2017
The correct answer is D) Atomic number.
The atomic number (Z) is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. This number is unique to each element and determines its chemical properties. For example, any atom with 6 protons is Carbon, and any atom with 8 protons is Oxygen. No two elements have the same atomic number.