Atomic Number — Definition & Overview

Atomic Number

What is the Atomic Number?

• The atomic number is the unique number that identifies an element

• The atomic number is also the proton number (Z), meaning that the atomic number tells you how many protons are in an atom

• In the case of a neutral atom (an atom with no charge), the atomic number is also the number of electrons in an atom

What Are Atomic Numbers?

Atoms are the building blocks of everything and each atom can be found on the Periodic Table of Elements. Each atom has an atomic number, $Z$, which corresponds to the number of protons. Each element is distinguished from a different element by the number of protons in the atom. On the periodic table, the atomic number can be found in each element block with the element symbol. For example, hydrogen's ($H$) atomic number is 1 and carbon's ($C$) is 6.

(Video) Atomic Number | Atoms and Molecules | Don't Memorise

by Don't Memorise

What is an atomic number, how is it counted, and why is knowing this number important? Find out all of these answers and more in this video by Don't Memorise.