Question

1. explain the difference between mass number and average atomic mass. 3. which tells you the most common version of an element? 4. place a star next to each column that represents an isotope that is the most common for that element. 5. explain the difference between an atom and an ion.

Explanation:

1. Mass number is for a single isotope, while average atomic mass considers all isotopes and their abundances.
2. The most common version of an element is often the most abundant isotope.
3. An atom is neutral with equal protons and electrons, while an ion has a charge due to a gain or loss of electrons.

Answer:

1. Mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons in a single - isotope atom. Average atomic mass is the weighted - average mass of all naturally occurring isotopes of an element, taking into account their relative abundances.
2. The most abundant isotope of an element tells you the most common version of that element.
3. An atom is a neutral particle where the number of protons equals the number of electrons. An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net positive or negative charge.