Question

What is meant by mass number? Explain how the atomic number and mass number of carbon is 6 and 12, respectively.

Answer 1

• The total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of the atom is called the mass number.
• The atomic number which is the number of protons, of carbon is 6.
• The mass number which is the total number of protons and neutrons in carbon is 6 protons + 6 neutrons = 12.
• Therefore, the atomic number and mass number of carbon is 6 and 12, respectively.