Can the number of protons in an element ever change?

An elements atomic number will never change, that is because the atomic number is its "identity." The atomic number is the number of protons that is contained in the nucleus, if you add a proton you change the element. Therefore, an elements atomic number will never change.

An elements atomic number will never change

Explanation:

That is because the atomic number is its "identity.". The atomic number is the number of protons that is contained in the nucleus, if you add a proton you change the element. Therefore, an elements atomic number will never change. Atomic mass, however, can change and we call these isotopes.