Question

why is an atom of one element different from the atoms of other elements

Answer 1

Normally, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons, which makes atoms electrically neutral. The number of protons in an atom is the defining feature of an atom. It's what makes one element different fromanother. ... So the atomic number of oxygen is 8.

Answer 2

Normally, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons, which makes atoms electrically neutral. The number of protons in an atom is the defining feature of an atom. It's what makes one element different from another. ... So the atomic number of oxygen is 8.