Atomic Numbers

An atomic number is a fundamental property of an element that indicates the number of protons found in the nucleus of its atoms. This unique number determines the element's identity—for example, hydrogen has an atomic number of 1, while carbon has an atomic number of 6. In the periodic table, elements are arranged by increasing atomic number, which also reflects their chemical behavior and properties. The atomic number is vital in understanding how elements interact with one another in chemical reactions and is crucial for fields like chemistry, physics, and biology.