25/09/2025
The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element.
It is represented by the symbol Z.
Since atoms are electrically neutral, the atomic number also equals the number of electrons in the atom.
The atomic number determines the identity of the element and its position in the periodic table.
🔹 Example:
Hydrogen has 1 proton, so its atomic number is 1.
Carbon has 6 protons, so its atomic number is 6.
