Atomic number

From Engineering

atomic number, in chemistry and physics, is (also known as the proton number), is also the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom.

[edit] Identification

It is conventionally represented by the symbol Z. The atomic number uniquely identifies a chemical element.

[edit] Details

In an atom of neutral charge, atomic number is equal to the number of electrons.

[edit] Confusion

The atomic number Z should not be confused with the mass number A, which is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

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