Identification of Elements:

Identification of Elements:
Atomic Number or Z number is the number of protons in the nucleus of the atom and is used for identifying basic elements. Therefore an atom of beryllium with 4 protons would have a “Z” number of 4.
Basic elements may also be identified by their weight.
Mass number or “A” number is combination of protons and Neutrons. ( Heavy Parts of the Atom)
Each atom is then assigned a number equal to the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. As shown below the beryllium atom has a “Z” number of 4 and an “A” number of 9.