What is the mass number of an isotope with 6 protons and 6 neutrons?

Prepare for the Dual Enrollment Physical Science Midterm. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the mass number of an isotope with 6 protons and 6 neutrons?

Explanation:
Mass number is the total count of nucleons in the nucleus, so you add protons and neutrons. With 6 protons and 6 neutrons, that’s 6 + 6 = 12. So the mass number is 12. This distinguishes it from the atomic number (which is 6, the number of protons) and from the atomic mass (a weighted average of masses of all isotopes).

Mass number is the total count of nucleons in the nucleus, so you add protons and neutrons. With 6 protons and 6 neutrons, that’s 6 + 6 = 12. So the mass number is 12. This distinguishes it from the atomic number (which is 6, the number of protons) and from the atomic mass (a weighted average of masses of all isotopes).

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