Every chemical element is uniquely defined by its atomic number, which corresponds to the number of protons in its nucleus. While elements can have different isotopes, these variations involve differing neutron counts while maintaining the same proton number. For instance, Deuterium and Tritium are isotopes of Hydrogen, showcasing this concept. Isotopes retain the chemical properties of their parent element but can differ in stability and mass. Understanding atomic structure is essential for grasping the fundamentals of chemistry.