The atomic number is a fundamental property of an element that indicates the number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom of that element. It is usually denoted by the symbol \( Z \). The atomic number determines the identity of the element; for example, hydrogen has an atomic number of 1 (one proton), helium has an atomic number of 2 (two protons), and carbon has an atomic number of 6 (six protons).
New to topics? Read the docs here!