What is mass number of an element? How is the mass number related to the protons and neutrons present in the nucleus of an atom?

YZ1FW5f4f

YZ1FW5f4f

Answered question

2023-02-08

What is mass number of an element? How is the mass number related to the protons and neutrons present in the nucleus of an atom?

Answer & Explanation

Genesis Hancock

Genesis Hancock

Beginner2023-02-09Added 10 answers

The mass number refers to the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. The mass of an atom is determined by the sum of the protons and neutrons. It is symbolized by the letter "A." Since protons and neutrons coexist in the atom's nucleus, they are collectively referred to as nucleons. For instance, a carbon atom contains 6 protons and 6 neutrons. Its mass number is 12 as a result.
All atoms of an element have the same amount of protons, although they might have different numbers of neutrons. As a result, various isotopes of the same element might have different mass values. The amount of protons each element has determines its atomic number, which is used to distinguish one element from another. The total number of protons and neutrons in an element determines its mass number. The quantity of protons is the same as the atomic number. The total mass of an atom is the product of its proton and neutron counts.

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