Since the number of electrons is responsible for the chemical bavavior of atoms, the atomic number identifies the various chemical elements. The number of electrons in an electrically-neutral atom is the same as the number of protons in the nucleus. The total electrical charge of the nucleus is therefore +Ze, where e (elementary charge) equals to 1,602 x 10 -19coulombs. Each electron is influenced by the electric fields produced by the positive nuclear charge and the other (Z – 1) negative electrons in the atom. The total number of protons in the nucleus of an atom is called the atomic number (or the proton number) of the atom and is given the symbol Z. The nucleus is composed of protons and neutrons. The atom consist of a small but massive nucleus surrounded by a cloud of rapidly moving electrons. The total electrical charge of the nucleus is therefore +Ze. The number of electrons in an electrically-neutral atom is the same as the atomic number. The atomic number or proton number is defined as the total number of protons in the nucleus and is given the symbol Z.
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