define i. atomic number ii. ionization potential with respect to atomic theory

I. Atomic number: The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element. It is a characteristic property of an element and determines the element’s place in the periodic table. The atomic number also determines the element’s chemical behavior and the number of electrons that an atom of that element has in its outermost energy level.

II. Ionization potential: The ionization potential of an atom is the minimum amount of energy required to remove an electron from the atom. It is a measure of the atom’s electron affinity, or the energy required to add an electron to the atom. The ionization potential of an atom is determined by the strength of the attraction between the nucleus and the electrons in the atom. It is a fundamental property of an atom that is determined by the atomic number and is related to the arrangement of the electrons in the atom’s energy levels.