Here's what you need to know:
* Atomic number = Number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
* This number is unique to each element and defines its identity.
* It's represented by the symbol Z.
For example:
* Hydrogen (H) has an atomic number of 1 because it has 1 proton.
* Carbon (C) has an atomic number of 6 because it has 6 protons.
You can find the atomic number of any element on the periodic table. It's usually listed above the element's symbol.