The identity of an element is determined by (a) the mass of the atom (b) the number of electron orbits in the atom (c) the number of neutrons in the atom (d) the number of protons in the atom

Step 1: Define the Problem

Identify which component determines the identity of an element.

Step 2: Break Down the Problem

Consider each option:

• (a) Mass of the atom
• (b) Number of electron orbits
• (c) Number of neutrons
• (d) Number of protons

Step 3: Apply Relevant Concepts

The identity of an element is defined by its atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

Step 4: Analysis, Verify and Summarize

• Mass of the atom: This can vary due to isotopes, which have different numbers of neutrons.
• Number of electron orbits: This can change with ionization or excitation.
• Number of neutrons: This varies in isotopes and does not affect the elemental identity.
• Number of protons: This is unique to each element and defines the element.

Final Answer

The identity of an element is determined by (d) the number of protons in the atom.