Question

9. Applying Concepts Explain why it isn't

possible for an atom to have a mass number
of 10 and an atomic number of 12.

I feel like it’s a no because the number of neurons would be -2, since you subtract the mass number and the atomic number

Answer 1

The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus. The mass number is the total of protons and neutrons. The mass number is always larger than the atomic number.

Step-by-step explanation:

FYI, when you mention -2, it means that there would be 2 extra electrons which make the element negatively charged. The atomic number and mass are not dependent on the number of electrons.