23 is a prime number.
A prime number is defined as a number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. In the case of 23, the only numbers that divide it evenly are 1 and 23. This means that you cannot make 23 by multiplying two smaller natural numbers, which is a key characteristic of prime numbers.
On the other hand, a composite number is a positive integer that has at least one positive divisor other than one and itself. Since 23 does not meet this criterion, it is not a composite number.
In summary, 23 is classified as a prime number because it can only be divided by 1 and itself, confirming its status within the group of prime numbers.