Atomic number
An atomic number is a unique identifier for each chemical element. It is the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom, and it determines the element's position in the periodic table.
About
It is the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom, and it determines the element's position in the periodic table. The concept of atomic numbers was first proposed by the British chemist Henry Moseley in 1913, revolutionizing the understanding of the structure of atoms. The atomic number defines the element's properties and is crucial for classifying elements, predicting their behavior, and understanding chemical reactions. Additionally, it is used to determine the electron configuration and the number of neutrons in an atom. Atomic numbers range from 1, representing hydrogen, to 118, which is the highest atomic number currently known. This Wikipedia page provides comprehensive information about atomic numbers, their significance, how they are determined experimentally, and various related concepts and applications.