Question

What is the significance of atomic numbers in the modern Periodic Table?

Answer 1

The chemical and physical properties of all the elements in the modern periodic table are the periodic function of their atomic number, which decides their position in the table.

Answer 2

1. The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in the nucleus. Atomic number is the unique property of an element, because no two elements have the same atomic number.
2. Atomic number (Z) = Number of protons and K = Number of electrons.
3. Since no two elements have the same atomic number, it distinguishes one element from other elements.
4. An element with atomic number 13 will have electronic configurations 2, 8 and 3. This indicates the element's electronic configuration.
5. It helps to determine an element's position within the periodic table.