M

Mass Number

What is Mass Number?

The mass number (A) of a nuclide is the total number of protons and neutrons (nucleons) in its nucleus. It is used together with the atomic number (Z) to specify a particular isotope: ᴬZX. For example, carbon-12 (¹²₆C) has mass number 12 (6 protons + 6 neutrons). The mass number is approximately equal to the atomic mass in atomic mass units.

Key Facts

Term Mass Number

Frequently Asked Questions

The mass number (A) of a nuclide is the total number of protons and neutrons (nucleons) in its nucleus. It is used together with the atomic number (Z) to specify a particular isotope: ᴬZX. For example, carbon-12 (¹²₆C) has mass number 12 (6 protons + 6 neutrons). The mass number is approximately equal to the atomic mass in atomic mass units.

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