1. What is Mass Number?

The mass number (A) is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus. It is a fundamental property of an atom that helps identify isotopes of elements.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the mass number formula:

Where:

• \( A \) — Mass number
• \( Z \) — Number of protons (atomic number)
• \( N \) — Number of neutrons

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

3. Importance of Mass Number Calculation

Details: Calculating mass number is essential for identifying isotopes, understanding atomic structure, and predicting nuclear stability in chemistry and physics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of protons and neutrons as whole numbers. Both values must be non-negative integers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between mass number and atomic mass?
A: Mass number is a whole number representing the total count of nucleons, while atomic mass is a decimal value representing the weighted average mass of all isotopes.

Q2: Can mass number be less than atomic number?
A: No, mass number (A) is always equal to or greater than atomic number (Z) since A = Z + N and neutron count (N) is always ≥ 0.

Q3: How does mass number relate to isotopes?
A: Isotopes of an element have the same atomic number (protons) but different mass numbers due to varying numbers of neutrons.

Q4: Why is mass number important in nuclear chemistry?
A: Mass number helps identify specific nuclides, predict nuclear stability, and balance nuclear equations.

Q5: Can atoms with the same mass number be different elements?
A: Yes, different elements can have the same mass number (isobars) if their proton and neutron counts combine to the same total.