Question

2. Explain why the atomic number is called the
"fingerprint" of elements.​

Answer 1

Answer:

Atomic number is unique for each element.

Explanation:

• Atomic number for every element is different and unique.

• Atomic number is the number of protons present in the nucleus of the atom of any element.

• Number of protons is equal to the number of electrons.

• Every element has different number of protons.

• All elements are arranged according to their atomic number in the periodic table.

Example: Sodium has been assigned 11 as its atomic number which is because number of protons in its nucleus is 11.

• When atomic number changes, number of protons in the nucleus changes and so does the number of electrons. This completely changes the element as the properties of the atom will change. So, atomic number is unique for each element and therefore considered as "fingerprint" of elements.

Answer 2

1. Every element has a different and distinct atomic number.
2. The atomic number of any element is the number of protons in its nucleus.
3. Each element has a unique number of protons.
4. The periodic table organises all elements by their atomic number.
5. For example, carbon has been assigned the atomic number 6 because the number of protons in its nucleus is 6.
6. When the atomic number changes, so does the number of protons in the nucleus, as well as the number of electrons.
7. This completely alters the element because the atom's properties change.

Hence, the atomic number is unique to each element and is thus regarded as the "fingerprint" of elements.

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