Atomic number is the fundamental properties of an atom. Every atom is identified by its unique atomic number. Atomic number is denoted by ‘z’.
Atomic number is equal to the number of protons present in an atom.
Since an atom is electrically neutral, thus number of protons and number of electrons are equal to make an atom electrically neutral.
Atomic number = Number of protons = Number of electrons
Example:
The atomic number of Hydrogen is 1, helium is 2, lithium is 3, beryllium is 4, boron is 5, carbon is 6, nitrogen is 7, oxygen is 8, etc.
