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    Chemistry A-Level

    atomic number

    What atomic number means in Chemistry A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.

    Definitions of atomic number

    Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.

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    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain atomic number in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: AQA

    The number of protons in the nucleus, and it alone fixes which element you have.
    AQA · Mass number and isotopes (study guide)
    Gives the proton count, which fixes the element.
    OCR · Atomic structure and isotopes

    Topics that use atomic number

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    Using atomic number in the exam

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