The atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. In an uncharged atom, the number of protons is always equal to the number of electrons. For example, carbon atoms include six protons and six electrons, so carbon's atomic number is 6.
I would say that you should wear a lab coat, safety goggles, and gloves
when the teacher says so - not everything in a lab is dangerous, so
there is no need to always wear these. But when the teacher says you
should - then you should.
Answer:
Atoms of each element contain a characteristic number of protons and electrons. The number of protons determines an element's atomic number and is used to distinguish one element from another.
