The atomic number of an atom represents the number of protons found in the nucleus of that atom. It is denoted by the symbol \( Z \) and determines the chemical identity of the element; for example, hydrogen has an atomic number of 1 (one proton), while carbon has an atomic number of 6 (six protons). The atomic number also influences the arrangement of electrons around the nucleus, which in turn affects the atom's chemical properties and behavior.
What represents the atomic number of an atom?
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