Atomic Number

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Atomic Number (symbol Z)
An integer that expresses the positive charge of the nucleus in multiples of the electronic charge e. It is the number of

electrons outside the nucleus of a neutral (un-ionized) atom and, according to widely accepted theory, the number of protons in the nucleus. See atomic weight, Table IV.
An element of atomic number Z occupies the Zth place in the periodic table of the elements. Its atom has a nucleus with a charge +Ze, which is normally surrounded by Z electrons, each of charge -e.
For example, the carbon isotope <math>₆C¹⁴</math>

has an atomic number of 6 and an atomic mass of 14. [[/A>|/A> ]]

References

This article is based on NASA's Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use