Chemistry HESI A2 Quizlet Related

Review Chemistry HESI A2 Quizlet related questions and content

What does the sum of protons and neutrons in an element represent?

  • A. Atomic number
  • B. Mass number
  • C. Atomic mass
  • D. Neutron number
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The sum of protons and neutrons in an element is known as the mass number. The mass number is an important concept in chemistry as it represents the total number of nucleons (protons and neutrons) in an atom's nucleus. It is different from the atomic number, which represents the number of protons in an atom. The atomic mass is the average mass of an element's isotopes, taking into account the abundance of each isotope. Neutron number, on the other hand, specifically refers to the number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is B, mass number.