1. What is Atomic Mass Number?

The atomic mass number (also called nucleon number) is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus. It's a fundamental property that helps identify isotopes of an element.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• Protons — Number of protons in the nucleus (determines the element)
• Neutrons — Number of neutrons in the nucleus (determines the isotope)

Explanation: The mass number represents the count of nucleons (protons + neutrons) in an atom's nucleus.

3. Importance of Mass Number

Details: The mass number is crucial for identifying isotopes, calculating atomic mass, and understanding nuclear properties. It's used in nuclear physics, chemistry, and radiometric dating.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of protons (must be ≥1) and neutrons (must be ≥0). The calculator will sum these values to give the mass number.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is mass number the same as atomic mass?
A: No, mass number is an integer count of nucleons, while atomic mass is a weighted average of isotope masses measured in atomic mass units (amu).

Q2: Why don't electrons contribute to mass number?
A: Electrons have negligible mass compared to nucleons (about 1/1836th of a proton's mass), so they're not counted in the mass number.

Q3: Can two different elements have the same mass number?
A: Yes, this is called isobars. For example, argon-40 and calcium-40 both have mass number 40 but different proton numbers.

Q4: What's the relationship between mass number and atomic number?
A: Atomic number = number of protons, while mass number = protons + neutrons. The difference gives the neutron number.

Q5: How does mass number affect nuclear stability?
A: Generally, nuclei with certain proton-neutron ratios (often near 1:1 for lighter elements) are more stable. Very heavy nuclei (high mass numbers) tend to be radioactive.