Atomic Structure
Atoms may be tiny, but they have their own structure! Each atom has a central nucleus surrounded by even smaller particles called electrons. The nucleus contains protons (positive charge) and neutrons (neutral charge), while electrons (negative charge) orbit around it.
The atomic number tells you how many protons an atom has. Since atoms are normally neutral, the number of electrons equals the number of protons. For example, oxygen has 8 protons, so it also has 8 electrons.
The atomic mass is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom. For oxygen, the atomic number is 8 (protons), and the atomic mass is 16 8protons+8neutrons.
Quick tip: On the periodic table, you'll see the atomic number as a smaller number and the atomic mass as a larger number. For example, sodium (Na) has an atomic number of 11 and an atomic mass of approximately 23.