Atomic number is the same as what?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking what the atomic number corresponds to in terms of atomic structure or properties of elements. The atomic number is defined as the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, and it also determines the identity of the element.
Answer
The number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
The atomic number is the same as the number of protons in an atom's nucleus and also equals the number of electrons in a neutral atom.
Answer for screen readers
The atomic number is the same as the number of protons in an atom's nucleus and also equals the number of electrons in a neutral atom.
More Information
The atomic number defines the identity of an element. It is the basis for the periodic table, where elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing atomic number with mass number. The atomic number is only the number of protons, while the mass number is the total of protons and neutrons.
Sources
- 2.2: Elements and Atomic Number - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
- Atomic number - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
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