Atoms are classified into different types based on their number of protons, which is known as the atomic number. The atomic number determines the element to which an atom belongs. There are currently 118 known elements, each represented by a unique atomic number and name.
Here are some examples of different types of atoms, along with their atomic numbers and names:
- Hydrogen (H) - Atomic Number 1
- Helium (He) - Atomic Number 2
- Carbon (C) - Atomic Number 6
- Oxygen (O) - Atomic Number 8
- Iron (Fe) - Atomic Number 26
- Gold (Au) - Atomic Number 79
- Uranium (U) - Atomic Number 92
These are just a few examples, and there are many more elements with different atomic numbers. The periodic table of elements is a tabular arrangement of all known elements in order of increasing atomic number. It provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of atoms.
Each type of atom has distinct chemical properties and characteristics based on its atomic structure, including the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons. These properties determine how atoms interact and combine with other atoms to form compounds and molecules.