Atomic Number
* Definition: The number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
* Symbol: Z
* Key Points:
* It defines the element. Every element has a unique atomic number.
* It determines the atom's chemical properties.
* It's a whole number.
Atomic Mass
* Definition: The average mass of an atom of an element, taking into account the relative abundance of its isotopes.
* Symbol: A
* Key Points:
* It's not a whole number because it's an average of the masses of different isotopes.
* It includes the mass of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
* It's measured in atomic mass units (amu).
Example:
* Carbon (C):
* Atomic Number (Z): 6 (meaning it has 6 protons)
* Atomic Mass (A): 12.011 amu (the average mass of all carbon isotopes)
In Summary:
* Atomic Number is a fundamental property that identifies the element.
* Atomic Mass reflects the overall weight of an atom, considering the different isotopes and their relative abundance.
