The number of protons is the total amount of positively charged particles in the nucleus of an atom. It determines the element's atomic number and is used to identify and classify different elements.
The number of protons is written as a subscript to the left of the element's symbol. For example, the element carbon has 6 protons, so its symbol is written as "C" with the number 6 written as a subscript to the left of the symbol.
The number of protons determines an element's atomic mass and thus, its chemical and physical properties. It also determines the number of electrons in a neutral atom, which affects its reactivity and bonding capabilities.
The number of protons increases as you move from left to right on the periodic table. This is because the elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number. The number of protons also determines an element's group and period on the periodic table.
No, the number of protons in an element is constant and cannot be changed without changing the element itself. This is because the number of protons determines the element's identity and distinguishes it from other elements.