Question

What is the mass number, atomic number and charge of 8 protons, 10 neutrons, and 8 electrons?

Answer 1

To determine the mass number, atomic number, and charge of an atom with 8 protons, 10 neutrons, and 8 electrons, we can use the following definitions:

1. **Atomic Number (Z)**: This is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. In this case, since there are 8 protons, the atomic number is **8**.

2. **Mass Number (A)**: This is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. In this case, with 8 protons and 10 neutrons, the mass number is calculated as follows:
\[
A = \text{number of protons} + \text{number of neutrons} = 8 + 10 = 18
\]
So, the mass number is **18**.

3. **Charge**: The charge of an atom is determined by the difference between the number of protons and electrons. Here, since there are 8 protons and 8 electrons, the total charge is:
\[
\text{Charge} = \text{number of protons} - \text{number of electrons} = 8 - 8 = 0
\]
Thus, the charge of the atom is **neutral** (0).

In summary:
- Mass Number: **18**
- Atomic Number: **8**
- Charge: **0 (neutral)**