* Atomic Number: The atomic number of an element tells you the number of protons in its nucleus. Lithium has an atomic number of 3, meaning it has 3 protons.
* What does the atomic number tell us?
* Identity: The atomic number uniquely identifies an element. Every atom with 3 protons is a lithium atom.
* Number of Electrons (in a neutral atom): In a neutral atom, the number of protons (positive charge) is equal to the number of electrons (negative charge). So, lithium also has 3 electrons.
* Location on the Periodic Table: The periodic table is organized by increasing atomic number.
In summary, the atomic number of 3 tells us that lithium is a specific element with 3 protons and 3 electrons in its neutral state.
