Atomic number is unique and defines an element. Atomic number (Z) is total number of protons in an atom.
For example, nitrogen atom (N-14) has 7 protons (p⁺), 7 electrons (e⁻) and 7 neutrons (n°). Protons (positive charge) and neutrons are in the nucleus of atom, electrons (negative charge) are bound to the nucleus in spherical shells. Nitrogen is an element with atomic number 7. Mass number (A) is the total number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus. Nitrogen mass number is 14 (A = p⁺ + n°; A = 14).
