Question

#4 how do you find the atomic mass of an atom? a) add the total number of electrons to the total number of protons. b) subtract the number of protons from the number of neutrons. c) find the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom. d) subtract the total number of electrons from the number of neutrons in an atom.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall atomic - mass concept

The mass number of an atom is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of the atom.

Step2: Analyze options

• Option A: Adding the total number of electrons to the total number of protons is incorrect because electrons have negligible mass compared to protons and neutrons and do not contribute significantly to the atomic mass.
• Option B: Subtracting the number of neutrons from the number of protons has no relation to finding the atomic mass.
• Option C: The mass number of an atom is found by adding the number of protons and neutrons. This is the correct way to find the atomic mass.
• Option D: Subtracting electrons from neutrons is not relevant to finding the atomic mass as electrons do not contribute to the mass number calculation.

Answer:

C. Find the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom