Question

How can you determine the number of neutrons in the nucleus if you know the mass number and the atomic number?

Answer 1

Simplify this

Answer 2

To determine the number of neutrons in the nucleus of an atom, you can use the following relationship between mass number, atomic number, and the number of neutrons:

1. **Mass Number (A)**: This is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.
2. **Atomic Number (Z)**: This is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

The relationship can be expressed with the following formula:

\[
\text{Number of Neutrons} = A - Z
\]

Where:
- \( A \) = Mass Number (total number of protons and neutrons)
- \( Z \) = Atomic Number (number of protons)

For example, if an atom has a mass number of 12 and an atomic number of 6 (which corresponds to carbon), you would calculate the number of neutrons as follows:

\[
\text{Number of Neutrons} = 12 - 6 = 6
\]

Therefore, this carbon atom has 6 neutrons.

Answer 3

To determine the number of neutrons in an atom, use the formula:

\[
\text{Number of Neutrons} = \text{Mass Number} - \text{Atomic Number}
\]

Where:
- **Mass Number (A)** = Total number of protons + neutrons
- **Atomic Number (Z)** = Number of protons

### Example:
For an atom with:
- Mass Number (A) = 12
- Atomic Number (Z) = 6

Calculate the number of neutrons:

\[
\text{Number of Neutrons} = 12 - 6 = 6
\]

So, it has 6 neutrons.