Atomic number
Atomic Number
The Atomic Number (pronounced: /əˈtɒmɪk ˈnʌmbər/) is a fundamental concept in the field of Chemistry and Physics.
Etymology
The term "Atomic Number" is derived from the Greek word "atomos", meaning indivisible, and the Latin word "numerus", meaning number. It was first used in the early 20th century when scientists were developing the modern understanding of atomic structure.
Definition
The Atomic Number of an element, often represented by the symbol Z, is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. It uniquely identifies a chemical element and determines its place in the Periodic Table.
Related Terms
- Element: A substance consisting of atoms which all have the same number of protons.
- Isotope: Variants of a particular chemical element which differ in neutron number, and consequently in nucleon number.
- Atomic Mass: The mass of an atom, most often expressed in unified atomic mass units.
- Electron: A subatomic particle with a negative electric charge, found in an atom's electron shell.
- Neutron: A subatomic particle found in the nucleus of every atom except that of hydrogen-1. It has no electric charge.
Importance
The Atomic Number is crucial in the study of Chemistry and Physics as it helps in the identification of elements and their properties. It is also used in the calculation of atomic mass and in understanding the behavior of atoms during chemical reactions.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Atomic number
- Wikipedia's article - Atomic number
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