- Atomic Number (Z): The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. It determines the element’s identity and its position in the periodic table.
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Atomic Mass Number (A): The atomic mass number (also called mass number) is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom’s nucleus. It is roughly equivalent to the atom’s total mass.
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Nucleon Number: The nucleon number is the same as the atomic mass number, A, and represents the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.
How is an atom represented symbolically?
An atom is represented symbolically as:
13X6
Where:
- is the chemical symbol of the element,
- A is the atomic mass number (total number of protons + neutrons),
- Z is the atomic number (number of protons).
Now, for the given example: 13X6
- A = 13 (atomic mass number),
- Z = 6 (atomic number).
To determine the properties of this atom:
- Protons: The atomic number Z=6, so the number of protons is 6.
- Neutrons: The number of neutrons is found by subtracting the number of protons from the atomic mass number:
Neutrons=A−Z=13−6=7. - Atomic Number: The atomic number is 6.
- Atomic Mass Number: The atomic mass number is 13.
- Nucleon Number: The nucleon number is the same as the atomic mass number, so it is 13.
This atom represents Carbon (C), specifically the isotope Carbon-13.