What is the atomic number of Helium?

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Multiple Choice

What is the atomic number of Helium?

Atomic number is the number of protons in an atom’s nucleus. Helium has two protons, so its atomic number is two. In a neutral atom, that same count also equals the number of electrons, so helium usually has two electrons as well. The other numbers reflect other elements—one for hydrogen, six for carbon, and eight for oxygen. The periodic table uses atomic number to organize elements, which is why helium is the second element.

Atomic number is the number of protons in an atom’s nucleus. Helium has two protons, so its atomic number is two. In a neutral atom, that same count also equals the number of electrons, so helium usually has two electrons as well. The other numbers reflect other elements—one for hydrogen, six for carbon, and eight for oxygen. The periodic table uses atomic number to organize elements, which is why helium is the second element.

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