Multiple Choice 5 points As you add protons to an atom, what of the following things does NOT happen to the atom? The atomic number increases The element stays the same The atomic mass increases

## Step 1<br />When protons are added to an atom, the atomic number of the atom increases. This is because the atomic number is defined as the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. Therefore, adding protons increases the atomic number.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The atomic mass of an atom also increases when protons are added. This is because the atomic mass is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Therefore, adding protons increases the atomic mass.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />However, the element does not stay the same when protons are added to an atom. This is because the identity of an element is determined by the number of protons in its nucleus. Therefore, adding protons changes the element.