Understanding the number of electrons and protons in an atom relies on indirect methods such as spectral analysis, which reveals the behavior of atoms through light absorption and emission. The modern view of protons as composed of quarks has evolved from earlier models, yet the fundamental reasons for their properties remain partially mysterious. Scientific consensus is often a temporary state, reflecting the best understanding available at the time, and ongoing debates among experts are common. The hydrogen atom, for instance, is accepted to have one electron based on strong evidence from quantum mechanics and spectral data. Overall, scientific investigation continues to refine our understanding of atomic structure and behavior.