Multiple choice

Chemical identity of an atom can be changed by

  1. changing the number of protons in an atom's nucleus

  2. changing the number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus

  3. changing the number of neutrons and protons in an atom's nucleus

  4. chemical identity cannot be changed
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A Correct answer
Explanation

The chemical identity of an element is determined solely by its number of protons (atomic number). Changing the number of neutrons creates isotopes of the same element, while changing electrons creates ions. Only altering the proton count changes which element it is.

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