What does the atomic number of an atom represent?

The atomic number of an atom is fundamental in understanding its identity and properties. It specifically represents the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom. Protons are positively charged particles, and the atomic number effectively determines the chemical element itself; for example, all atoms with an atomic number of 6 are carbon atoms, regardless of the number of neutrons or electrons they may possess.

This characteristic is crucial because it defines not only the identity of the element but also its place on the periodic table. The atomic number also indirectly indicates the number of electrons in a neutral atom, as the number of electrons equals the number of protons in a neutral state. However, the atomic number does not directly represent the number of neutrons or molecules, making it a distinct identifier for each element based solely on its proton count.