Question detail

How do you calculate the number of neutrons in an atom?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

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At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Atoms and isotopes

Question

A. Mass number minus atomic number
B. Atomic number minus mass number
C. Mass number plus atomic number
D. Atomic number plus mass number

Answer

The correct answer is A: Mass number minus atomic number.

Explanation

The correct answer is A: Mass number minus atomic number. This supports the learning objective "Define mass number as the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom." in Mass number, atomic number and isotopes because it uses the correct atomic and nuclear radiation relationship for Atoms and isotopes. The other options are less suitable because they do not match the required Mass number, atomic number and isotopes idea: Atomic number minus mass number; Mass number plus atomic number; Atomic number plus mass number.

Common mistake

Confusing Mass Number and Atomic Number

Students often confuse mass number with atomic number, thinking both represent the same quantity.

Remember that the mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, while the atomic number is only the number of protons.

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