key term - Atomic Number

Definition

The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. It defines the chemical properties of the element and its place in the periodic table.

Related terms

Proton: A proton is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of every atom. It carries a positive electric charge.

Electron: An electron is a subatomic particle that orbits around the nucleus and carries a negative electric charge.

Neutron: A neutron is another type of subatomic particle found in the nucleus. It carries no electrical charge and its mass is slightly larger than that of a proton.