Atomic Number:
The atomic number (Z) of an element represents the number of protons in the nucleus of its atoms. It defines the identity of an element and determines its position in the periodic table. Elements are arranged in ascending order of atomic number in the periodic table.
Mass Number:
The mass number (A) of an atom is the sum of its protons and neutrons. It indicates the total number of particles in the nucleus. Mass number helps distinguish between different isotopes of an element, which have the same atomic number but varying numbers of neutrons.
Isotopes:
Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same atomic number (same number of protons) but different mass numbers (due to varying numbers of neutrons). Isotopes of an element share similar chemical properties but may have different physical properties, such as atomic mass and radioactivity.
Isobars:
Isobars are atoms of different elements that have the same mass number (same total number of protons and neutrons) but different atomic numbers (due to varying numbers of protons). Isobars do not share similar chemical properties because their atomic numbers differ, leading to different electron configurations and behaviors.
