Learn what atomic number is , how to calculate it and why it is important for the periodic table. Find out the difference between atomic number and mass number , and see examples of isotopes and orbital energy levels. Learn what atomic number is , how to find it, and why it is important for identifying elements. See the list of atomic numbers and symbols of all 118 elements in the periodic table. The atomic number of an atom is equivalent to the total number of electrons present in a neutral atom or the total number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom. Atomic number of an element refers to the number of protons present in its nucleus. It's also called the nuclear charge number and is symbolized by Z. In a nonionized atom, the atomic number equals the number of orbiting electrons. The atomic number defines the identity of an element. For instance, carbon, with six protons, remains a carbon atom irrespective of how many neutrons it has neutron. The atomic number serves as the unique identifier for each element. What is Atomic Number ? The ...
