In your own words, explain why the atomic number of an atom is equal to both the number of protons and the number of electrons.

The atomic number of an atom is a fundamental property that defines the chemical characteristics of an atom. It is determined by the number of protons in the nucleus of the atom. This is because protons are positively charged particles, and their number determines the identity of the atom (for example, hydrogen has 1 proton, helium has 2, and so on).

Now, in a neutral atom, the number of electrons, which are negatively charged particles, is equal to the number of protons. This is to maintain electrical neutrality, meaning the positive and negative charges balance each other out. If an atom has more or fewer electrons than protons, it becomes an ion, not a neutral atom.

So, in summary, the atomic number of an atom is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus, and in a neutral atom, this is also equal to the number of electrons.