What symbol represents the atomic number?

What symbol represents the atomic number?

• A. Z
• B. A
• C. N
• D. E

Answer: (A)

The quantity that identifies an element in the nucleus is shown by Z. This symbol, Z, stands for the atomic number, which equals the number of protons in the atom’s nucleus. It uniquely defines the element and determines its place in the periodic table; for a neutral atom, it also equals the number of electrons. A is the mass number, which counts protons plus neutrons. N represents the number of neutrons, and E isn’t used to denote atomic number (it often relates to energy in other contexts). So Z is the correct symbol for the atomic number.

The quantity that identifies an element in the nucleus is shown by Z. This symbol, Z, stands for the atomic number, which equals the number of protons in the atom’s nucleus. It uniquely defines the element and determines its place in the periodic table; for a neutral atom, it also equals the number of electrons.

A is the mass number, which counts protons plus neutrons. N represents the number of neutrons, and E isn’t used to denote atomic number (it often relates to energy in other contexts). So Z is the correct symbol for the atomic number.