BACK TO atomic number

atomic number vs. mass number

[ uh-tom-ik nuhm-ber ]
noun
  1. the number of positive charges or protons in the nucleus of an atom of a given element, and therefore also the number of electrons normally surrounding the nucleus. Abbreviation: at. no.; Symbol: Z
noun
  1. the integer nearest in value to the atomic weight of an atom and equal to the number of nucleons in the nucleus of the atom. Symbol: A