A) What is the role of protons in an atom? b) How do we determine how many protons are in an atom?

The number of electrons, in turn, determines the chemical properties of the atom.

Protons contribute to the mass of an atom and provide the positive charge to the nucleus. The number of protons also determines the identity of the element.

Electrons have a negative charge. Since the atom is electrically neutral, the number of electrons must equal the number of protons.

The electrons arrange themselves in energy levels around the nucleus. The outermost or valence electrons of an atom are the ones that take part in chemical reactions. An element’s chemical properties depend on its valence electrons.

Explanation:

every chemical equation adheres to the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed. therefore, there must be the same number of atoms of each element on each side of a chemical equation.

the answer is symmetrical : )