atomic number (Z)
Definition
The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the chemical element's identity and its position on the periodic table. It also influences the atom's chemical behavior in reactions.
Analogy
Think of a high school with various clubs. The atomic number is like the unique club membership ID each student has; it identifies which club (element) they belong to, and just like clubs have different activities (chemical properties), elements have different ways they react and combine based on their "membership ID" or atomic number.
Related terms
Proton: A positively charged particle found in the nucleus of an atom that contributes to the atom's overall positive charge.
Periodic Table: An organized chart of all known elements arranged by increasing atomic number, where elements with similar chemical properties are grouped together.
Electron Configuration: The distribution of electrons in an atom's electron shell, influenced by the atomic number, which determines how an atom will react chemically with others
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