1. What is Atomic Number?

The atomic number (Z) is the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom. It is a fundamental property that defines the chemical element and determines its position in the periodic table.

2. How to Calculate Atomic Number

The atomic number is calculated using the formula:

Where:

• \( Z \) — Atomic number (dimensionless)
• Protons — Number of protons in the nucleus

Explanation: The atomic number uniquely identifies a chemical element and equals the number of protons in the atomic nucleus.

3. Importance of Atomic Number

Details: The atomic number determines the element's chemical properties, its position in the periodic table, and the number of electrons in a neutral atom. It is fundamental to understanding chemical behavior and periodicity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of protons in the nucleus. The number must be between 1 and 118 (corresponding to known elements from Hydrogen to Oganesson).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between atomic number and mass number?
A: Atomic number (Z) is the number of protons, while mass number (A) is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

Q2: Can atomic number be zero?
A: No, atomic number cannot be zero. The smallest atomic number is 1 (Hydrogen).

Q3: How does atomic number relate to the periodic table?
A: Elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number in the periodic table, which reveals periodic trends in chemical properties.

Q4: Can two different elements have the same atomic number?
A: No, each element has a unique atomic number that defines its identity.

Q5: What happens when atomic number changes?
A: Changing the atomic number transforms one element into another, which occurs in nuclear reactions but not in ordinary chemical reactions.