| − | The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus.<ref>Wile, Dr. Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Physical Science''. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000</ref> (It is also the number of electrons surrounding the nucleus, if the atom is electrically neutral.) In many representations of the [[Periodic Table of the Elements]] this number is placed either above the element's symbol or in the upper right hand corner. | + | The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus.<ref>Wile, Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Physical Science''. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000.</ref> (It is also the number of electrons surrounding the nucleus, if the atom is electrically neutral.) In many representations of the [[Periodic Table of the Elements]] this number is placed either above the element's symbol or in the upper right hand corner. |