Question

Write an essay on mass number

Answer 1

Mass Number

It is defined as the sum of protons and neutrons. The mass number is almost equal to the atomic mass of a particular atom. Therefore it can be written as

Mass no. of an atom = No. of protons + No. of neutrons

Thus, it represents the total number of neutrons present in the nucleus of an atom.

Use of Mass Number

Mass number helps to give an idea of the isotopic mass. Isotopic mass is measured in atomic mass units or “u.” An isotope of an element will have the same atomic number but a different mass number. Isotope mainly differs in the number of neutrons. Different isotopes of the same element will have a different mass number. However, isotopes of different elements can have the same mass number such as carbon-14 (6 protons + 8 neutrons) and nitrogen-14 (7 protons + 7 neutrons).

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