Atomic Number, Nuclear Charge, and Number of Protons
If you recall, the atom must be electrically neutral (i.e. contain the same amount of positive charge and negative charge). Therefore, if we use the example above, since sulfur has a nuclear charge of +16, the total negative charge of the electrons found in the empty space surrounding the nucleus must be -16. Since each electron has a charge of -1, there must be 16 electrons in this atom of sulfur.
Important Conclusion: In a neutral atom, the same number of protons and electrons must be present in order for entire atom to have no overall charge.
