Chapter 3, Problem 24A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The terms atomic number and mass number of a nucleus needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: Every matter is made of chemicals; the importance of chemistry is that it's the study of everything. Chemistry is all about how something interacts to affect the structure, composition, as well as knowing properties of substances.

Answer to Problem 24A

The number of protons in an atom is termed as atomic number. Total number of protons and electrons are termed as mass number. By using the mass number and atomic number you can calculate the number of protons and neutrons.

Explanation of Solution

Protons are defined as a positively charged $\left(+ve\right)$ sub-atomic particles/ units found in the nucleus of an atom. Number of Protons present in an atom is known as atomic number. Atomic number is represented by the symbol Z. Neutrons are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom which are neutral.

Sum of number of protons and neutron in an atom is known as the mass number. Nucleon number is another number of mass number. The mass number is represented by the symbol A.

If you know the atomic number as well as mass number of an atom, the number of neutrons, electrons and protons can be determined.

Conclusion

Atomic number of an atom is the identity number of an element and the mass numbers are the number of electrons.