Full Idea
The serial number of an element in the periodic table, its atomic number, corresponds to the number of positive charges in the atom.
Gist of Idea
Elements are placed in the table by the number of positive charges - the atomic number
Source
Eric R. Scerri (The Periodic Table [2007], 07 'Models')
Book Reference
Scerri,Eric R.: 'The Periodic Table' [OUP 2007], p.187
A Reaction
Note that this is a feature of the nucleus, despite that fact that the electrons decide the chemical properties. A nice model for Locke's views on essentialism.
Related Idea
Idea 17407 The electron is the main source of chemical properties [Scerri]