How to get number of protons without knowing its atomic number of an atom?

The atomic number is the number of protons within an element. The atomic number is what defines an element. If the atomic number changes, then the type of element also changes. If the atomic number of an atom is not known, but the number of electrons and charge of the atom is known, then the number of protons can still be determined.

In a neutrally charged atom, the number of protons equals the number of...

The atomic number is the number of protons within an element. The atomic number is what defines an element. If the atomic number changes, then the type of element also changes. If the atomic number of an atom is not known, but the number of electrons and charge of the atom is known, then the number of protons can still be determined.

In a neutrally charged atom, the number of protons equals the number of protons.

A positively charged atom is called a cation. Cations are positively charged becuase electrons were lost. The value of the positive charge indicates the number of electrons lost. In order to determine the value of the number of protons within the nucleus of the cation, the value of the charge is added the current number of remaining electrons within the orbitals of the cation.

A negatively charged ion is called an anion. Atoms become negatively charged when they gain electrons. The value of the negative charge indicates how many electrons were gained. In order to determine the value of the number of protons within the nucleus of an anion, the value of the charge is subtracted from the current number of remaining electrons within the orbitals of the anion.