Proton number
The proton number of an atom is the number of protons it has in its nucleus.
We usually represent it with the letter
Proton number and elements
The proton number is important because it determines which element an atom is.
An element is defined by its proton number. For example:
- All atoms with
Z=1 are hydrogen. - All atoms with
Z=6 are carbon. - All atoms with
Z=8 are oxygen. - …and so on.
You should be able to apply this pattern to all the elements on the periodic table!
flashcards
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Proton number | The number of protons in an atom’s nucleus. |
| What letter represents proton number? | |
| What is another name for proton number? | Atomic number. |
| What determines which element an atom is? | Its proton number ( |
| How is an element defined? | By its proton number. |
| An atom with | Hydrogen. |
| An atom with | Carbon. |
| An atom with | Oxygen. |