Is atomic mass the sum of the number or mass of protons and neutrons. If it is sum of number , then why is it called atomic MASS. And if it is sum of mass then how do we know the no of neutrons and proton sin the atom.

Laney Bradley

Laney Bradley

Answered question

2023-02-05

Is atomic mass the sum of the number or mass of protons and neutrons.
If it is sum of number , then why is it called atomic MASS
And if it is sum of mass then how do we know the no of neutrons and proton sin the atom.

Answer & Explanation

Amelia Walsh

Amelia Walsh

Beginner2023-02-06Added 11 answers

An element’s atomic mass (A) is the sum of the number of protons and the number of neutrons. The small contribution of mass from electrons is disregarded in calculating the atomic mass . By subtracting the number of protons from the mass number, this mass approximation can be used to easily calculate how many neutrons an element has. Protons and neutrons both weigh about one atomic mass unit or amu. Isotopes of the same element will have the same atomic number but different mass numbers. Atomic Number Neutral atoms of an element contain an equal number of protons and electrons. The number of protons in an element determines its atomic number (Z) and distinguishes it from other elements. Carbon, for example, has an atomic number (Z) of 6 because it has 6 protons. The number of neutrons can vary to produce isotopes, which are atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons. The number of electrons in atoms of the same element can also differ, resulting in ions (charged atoms). For instance, iron, Fe, can exist in its neutral state, or in the +2 and +3 ionic states.

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