Atomic number

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-000900",
  "term": "Atomic number",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The quantity of protons present within the nucleus of an atom of a particular chemical element. This number, symbolized by Z, uniquely identifies an element and determines its position in the periodic table. Since a neutral atom has an equal number of electrons and protons, the atomic number also dictates the atom's electron configuration and its chemical properties.",
  "synonyms": [
    "proton number"
  ],
  "subject": "Physical and Biophysical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "nucleus"
  ],
  "references": [
    "Green Book, 2nd ed., p. 20 (https://goldbook.iupac.org/files/pdf/green_book_2ed.pdf)",
    "PAC, 1996, 68, 957. 'Glossary of terms in quantities and units in Clinical Chemistry (IUPAC-IFCC Recommendations 1996)' on page 962 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668040957)",
    "Red Book, 3rd ed., p. 35"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/atomic-number/"
}