1. What is Atomic Number?

The atomic number of an element is the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom of that element. 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:

• Atomic Number — Unique identifier for each chemical element
• Number of Protons — Count of protons in the atomic nucleus

Explanation: The atomic number uniquely identifies a chemical element and determines its chemical properties. In a neutral atom, the atomic number also equals the number of electrons.

3. Importance of Atomic Number

Details: The atomic number is fundamental to understanding chemical behavior, organizing the periodic table, and predicting element properties. It determines the element's identity and its position in the periodic table.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of protons in the atomic nucleus. Valid values range from 1 to 118, corresponding to known chemical elements from Hydrogen to Oganesson.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the relationship between atomic number and mass number?
A: Atomic number equals the number of protons, while mass number equals the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

Q2: Can two different elements have the same atomic number?
A: No, each element has a unique atomic number that defines its chemical identity.

Q3: How does atomic number affect chemical properties?
A: Atomic number determines the number of electrons in a neutral atom, which governs chemical bonding and reactivity.

Q4: What is the range of atomic numbers for known elements?
A: Currently known elements have atomic numbers from 1 (Hydrogen) to 118 (Oganesson).

Q5: How is atomic number used in the periodic table?
A: Elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number, which creates periodic trends in chemical properties.