To address the question of whether the number of protons in an element is equal to its mass number, we need to understand some basic principles of atomic structure.
### Atomic Structure:
1. Atomic Number (Z): This refers to the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. It is unique for each element and determines the element's identity. For example, carbon has an atomic number of 6, meaning it has 6 protons.
2. Mass Number (A): This is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom. For instance, a carbon atom with a mass number of 12 has 6 protons and 6 neutrons.
3. Protons: These are positively charged particles in the nucleus of an atom, directly corresponding to the element's atomic number.
### Understanding the Relationship:
- The mass number (A) is defined by the sum of the number of protons (Z) and neutrons (N):
[tex]\[
A = Z + N
\][/tex]
- The atomic number (Z) represents the number of protons.
Given this, the mass number is always greater than or equal to the number of protons because it includes both protons and neutrons. Therefore, the mass number cannot be equal to the number of protons unless neutrons are absent, which is not typical. In most cases, elements have both protons and neutrons.
Therefore, the statement "The number of protons is equal to the mass number of the element" is not true.
Conclusion:
The correct answer to the question is:
1. FALSE
