CH3 is a methyl group, not an element. It is a molecular fragment containing one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms. Therefore, it does not have an atomic number.

Atomic numbers are only assigned to elements, which are pure substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances.

To get the total number of protons in a methyl group, you would add the atomic numbers of carbon and hydrogen:

* Carbon (C): Atomic number 6

* Hydrogen (H): Atomic number 1

Total protons in CH3: 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 9