ati teas 7 science Related

Review ati teas 7 science related questions and content

What is the difference between the atomic number and the mass number of an atom?

  • A. The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
  • B. The atomic number is the number of electrons in an atom, while the mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
  • C. The atomic number is the number of neutrons in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of protons and electrons in an atom.
  • D. The atomic number is the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of electrons in an atom.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The atomic number of an atom represents the number of protons in its nucleus, which defines the element's identity. On the other hand, the mass number corresponds to the total sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Therefore, the key distinction between the atomic number and the mass number lies in the fact that the atomic number specifically counts the protons, whereas the mass number encompasses both protons and neutrons. Choice B is incorrect because the atomic number is not related to the number of electrons but rather to the number of protons. Choice C is incorrect because the atomic number is not the number of neutrons but the number of protons. Choice D is incorrect because the atomic number does not include neutrons; it is solely the number of protons.