Question

If A, Z, and N denote the mass number, the atomic number, and the neutron number for a given nucleus, we can say that:

(a) A=Z+N

(b) A=Z−N

(c) Z=A−N

(d) N=A−Z

Answer 1

The neutron number (N) is calculated by subtracting the atomic number (Z) from the mass number (A) using the formula N = A - Z. This equation encapsulates the fundamental relationship between the number of protons, neutrons, and the total nucleons within an atomic nucleus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between the atomic number (Z), the neutron number (N), and the mass number (A) is foundational to understanding an atom's composition. The atomic number, Z, represents the number of protons in the nucleus, which also determines the chemical element. The mass number, A, is the total count of protons and neutrons—a collective group referred to as nucleons. The neutron number, N, is the count of neutrons in the nucleus. The Mathematical formula that links these quantities is represented by:

A = N + Z

By reorganizing this equation, we can find the number of neutrons (N) with the expression:

N = A - Z

This formula allows us to deduce the neutron count by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number. The mass of the nucleus is approximately equal to its mass number A, as the mass of electrons is negligible compared to that of nucleons, and both protons and neutrons have masses about 1 unified atomic mass unit (u).