Final answer:
The atomic number defines the identity of an element by indicating the number of protons in the nucleus. It also relates to the number of electrons in a neutral atom and helps differentiate various elements. The mass number is the total count of protons and neutrons, with neutrons derived by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number.
Explanation:
The atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom and defines the identity of an element. For instance, carbon always has an atomic number of 6. In a neutral atom, the number of protons is equal to the number of electrons. The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, with neutrons calculated as the difference between the mass number and atomic number.
Learn more about atomic number and mass number here:
https://brainly.com/question/4408975
