The atomic number of an atom represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. It is denoted by the letter "Z" and is a unique identifier for each element. The atomic number determines the element's position in the periodic table and defines its chemical properties.
The main difference between the atomic numbers of atoms in different elements is that each element has a distinct atomic number. For example, hydrogen (H) has an atomic number of 1, indicating it has one proton in its nucleus. Carbon (C) has an atomic number of 6, signifying it has six protons in its nucleus. Oxygen (O) has an atomic number of 8, indicating it has eight protons in its nucleus.
The atomic number directly influences the element's characteristics, such as its electronic configuration, chemical reactivity, and placement in the periodic table. It determines the number of electrons an atom has in its neutral state and plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior and properties of elements.