The scientific term that describes the number of protons in an atom is the atomic number. This unique identifier defines the element and determines its position on the periodic table. For instance, hydrogen has an atomic number of 1, meaning it has one proton, while carbon has an atomic number of 6, with six protons. The atomic number is crucial because it not only determines the chemical properties of an element but also indicates the number of electrons in a neutral atom. Thus, it plays a fundamental role in understanding atomic structure and chemical behavior.