What is the next prime number after 7?

The next prime number after 7 is 11 because a prime number is defined as a natural number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. When we look at the numbers following 7, we first encounter 8, 9, and 10.

8 is divisible by 1, 2, 4, and 8, thus it is not a prime number. 9 is divisible by 1, 3, and 9, so it's also not prime. 10 is divisible by 1, 2, 5, and 10, which means it is not prime either.

However, 11 has only two divisors: 1 and 11 itself. Since it meets the condition of being a prime number, 11 is indeed the next prime number after 7.